FC Buzz Memorial Day Weekend May 26 - May 29

Governor Ned Lamont and Labor Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo today visited Ebony Horsewomen Inc. Equestrian and Therapeutic Center in Hartford to highlight one of the many employers participating in the Connecticut Youth Employment Program and to encourage young adults to enroll in the program, particularly as schools dismiss for the summer months.

Administered by the Connecticut Department of Labor in partnership with the state’s five Workforce Development Boards, the Connecticut Youth Employment Program runs year-round and connects young people ages 14 to 24 with meaningful jobs that help them build professional networks, improve career readiness, and earn a paycheck. It is particularly focused on youths who are disconnected, marginalized, and underserved, and provides support services intended to break down some of the barriers that can keep young workers out of the job market, such as covering expenses for transportation, uniforms, and other job-related costs.

Participating workers’ salaries are covered by the state so employers do not bear payroll costs. The employers have an opportunity to train their workforce, helping them develop the skills needed to maintain successful careers.

“The Youth Employment Program is a strong workforce development initiative at a time when Connecticut employers need more workers,” Governor Lamont said. “With more than 100,000 jobs currently available in Connecticut, it’s the right time to make this investment in our future workforce and for the state’s business community. I applaud Commissioner Bartolomeo and the Connecticut Department of Labor, our workforce investment boards, and especially Patricia Kelly and the staff at Ebony Horsewomen for highlighting the importance of these youth initiatives.”

The Ebony Horsewomen Inc. Equestrian and Therapeutic Center has been hiring young adults through the program for the last eight years. Located in Hartford’s Keney Park, the nonprofit organization provides equine-assisted therapy and trains mental health professionals through certification and continuing education courses. They use 25 miles of trails in Keney Park, have stables, indoor and outdoor riding rings, and jumping and dressage training.

In 2022, 500 employers participated in the program and it served 2,570 young people, 94% of whom were in high school, 2% in college, and 4% not in school.

Employers interested in participating and youths who want to enroll should contact their local Workforce Development Board for details. Information can be found on the Connecticut Department of Labor’s website at www.ctdol.state.ct.us/gendocs/youth.html.

The organization is near completion of its $1.6 million fundraise to build the community’s first behavioral health program designed for young people.

 The Greenwich United Way (GUW) is about to embark on a groundbreaking new Adolescent Behavioral Health Outpatient Program in partnership with Greenwich Hospital. The organization is nearing completion of its successful $1.6 million fundraise and will soon commence the build out of the community’s first behavioral health program designed for young people. The new facility will be located at 500 W. Putnam Avenue, co-located with Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital Pediatric Specialty Center in Greenwich. 

The Adolescent Behavioral Health Outpatient Program space is designed to be safe and comforting for both teens and parents and will provide accessible services to help meet the rising mental health needs of the community as defined by the Greenwich United Way Needs Assessment. In addition to building the facility, funds raised will also support the cost of care for those who can't afford services, ensuring there is no barrier to access.

“The realization of this groundbreaking program in Greenwich is only possible due to the involvement of the Greenwich United Way and its generous supporters,” said David Rabin, CEO of GUW. “As we near completion of the campaign, we call on our community to help close out the $1.6 million fund in order for us to start the build-out of the new facility and expand access to the essential care that will be provided there.”

In addition to fundraising for the facility, GUW is working to raise additional capital to provide subsidized access for the IOP program, ensuring that no one is turned away due to costs, co-pays or lack of insurance.

To support the build-out and assist those who are unable to afford care at the Adolescent Behavioral Health Outpatient Program visit https://greenwichunitedway.org/donations/mentalhealth/ or call 203-869-2221.

​The Greenwich Art Society is offering KID’S SUMMER CAMP!

A fun week-long summer mini-camp for children, two sessions ages 6 - 8 and ages 9 - 12.  Campers explore a different medium each day such as drawing, printmaking, collage, sculpture and painting.  Classes are small so there’s lots of individual attention.

KID’S SUMMER CAMP
Morning Program, Ages 6-8
KIMBERLY JIMENEZ

Program Description
A fun week-long summer mini-camp for children, ages 6 - 8.  Campers explore a different medium each day such as drawing, printmaking, collage, sculpture and painting.  Classes are small so there’s lots of individual attention.

June 26 - June 30, Mon Tue Wed Th Fri
10:00am to 12:00 noon

KID’S SUMMER CAMP

Afternoon Program, Ages 9-12
KATHIE MILLIGAN

Program Description

A fun week-long summer mini-camp for children, ages 9 - 12.  Campers explore a different medium each day such as drawing, printmaking, collage, sculpture and painting.  Classes are small so there's lots of individual attention!

June 26 - June 30, Mon Tue Wed Th Fri

12:30 PM-3:30 PM

​For more information visit our website or to register at www.greenwichartsociety.org

The Maritime Aquarium is seeking energetic volunteers who love interacting with both people and animals to join the team as summer stewards. Applications are open now through June 16. 

As part of this fun-filled summer, stewards will educate guests about Long Island Sound and create memorable experiences at the Aquarium’s touch tanks by facilitating interactions with stingrays, jellies, crabs, and more.

“Volunteers at The Maritime Aquarium have a unique opportunity to make a difference in our environment by inspiring a lifelong love of conservation,” said Vice President of Education Tom Naiman. “This is a great opportunity for high school and college students seeking to explore careers in conservation education, and for teachers looking to continue educating people over the summer.”

No prior experience in the field is required. Volunteers who are selected to join the program are required to attend a virtual orientation on June 21, and in-person training sessions on June 27 and 28.

Applicants must be at least 16 years old and have the availability to volunteer for two to three 4.5-hour shifts per week. In recognition of their service, summer stewards will receive membership for two people, free parking, professional learning opportunities, and discounts at the Aquarium’s gift shop and cafés.

For more information, visit www.maritimeaquarium.org/volunteer.

Construction for the Tomac Avenue, Harding Road, and Forest Avenue drainage improvements project is anticipated to commence the week of May 15, 2023. There will be multiple construction phases and work will begin at the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center parking lot and then onto Harding Road. This project was devised after the Town of Greenwich Flood & Erosion Control Board identified the area in need of drainage improvements and that the roadways flood during heavy storm events.

Most work will occur during normal construction hours, Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Traffic impacts are expected, including daytime road closures. The location of traffic impacts will vary depending on the phase and work during the project.

Project Construction Phases

•          Phase 1: Anticipated to begin the week of May 15, 2023, starting in the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center parking lot and then onto Harding Road. Daytime single alternating lane closures are expected. Phase 1 is predicted to take a few weeks.
•          Phase 2: Upon completion of Phase 1, Phase 2 will commence on Tomac Avenue and then on Forest Avenue. During this phase partial to full daytime road closures are expected. The road will reopen at the end of each construction day.

Vehicular Detour Information (During Phase 2 of Project Construction)

•          Tomac Avenue Road Closure: Utilize Sound Beach Avenue, Harding Road, Forest Avenue, and Lockwood Avenue.
•          Forest Avenue Road Closure: Utilize Sound Beach Avenue and Harding Road.

This project will install approximately 350 linear feet of 2'x4' concrete box culverts, new junction chambers, manholes, and catch basins. Additionally, the headwall associated with the channel parallel to the train tracks will be constructed. Construction is anticipated to last approximately three months. Town of Greenwich Department of Public Works, Engineering Division, designed the project with additional drainage analysis from Rocco V. D'Andrea, inc. FGB Construction has been selected as the general contractor for this project.

For additional information and updates, visit the dedicated project webpage on the official Town of Greenwich website: https://www.greenwichct.gov/2486/Tomac-Avenue-Harding-Road-Forest-Avenue-

Greenwich, CT - Greenwich Chamber of Commerce is inviting all small business owners and those starting businesses to attend a seminar on Monday, June 12^th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Greenwich YMCA, 50 E. Putnam Avenue.  Attendees will learn how to develop newsworthy stories,  learn how work with the media, elevate social media presence and hear success stories.  The Meet The Media panel includes Dawn French, Greenwich Hospital; Cristin Marandino, Greenwich Magazine; Peter Barhydte, Greenwich Sentinel; Georgette Gouveia, FCBJ and business owner Maggie Bridge.

Register at www.greenwichchamber.com. Fee: $20 Chamber members; $25 non-members.  Call 203-869-3500 for more information or email greenwichchamber@greenwichchamber.com.

GUW works to raise awareness of the community’s mental healthcare needs as it continues to campaign for $1.6 million to help build the first behavioral health program designed for young people.

The Greenwich United Way (GUW) and First Selectman Fred Camillo held a proclamation ceremony on Tuesday declaring May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Greenwich. The event coincides with the GUW’s ongoing campaign to help launch a new Adolescent Behavioral Health Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in partnership with Greenwich Hospital.  

Both GUW and Greenwich Hospital are fundraising to create the community’s first behavioral health program designed for young people ages 12 to 18. The GUW has raised more than $1 million as part of its goal of $1.6 million to help fund the construction of the facility. The new facility will be located at 500 W. Putnam Avenue, co-located with Greenwich Hospital’s Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital Pediatric Specialty Center. 

“The biggest problem I’ve seen is lack of access to mental health care. We can do more as a community and make ourselves available to our youth and their families,” said Amir Garakani, MD, Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Greenwich Hospital. “I want to thank the Greenwich United Way for partnering with us to make this change. It is a big undertaking, but with our community’s support we can do it.”

“We are here to not only raise awareness of the mental health crisis impacting adolescents, but to also erase the stigma associated with it,” said David Rabin, CEO of GUW. “Everyone is affected in some way by mental health issues and the challenges are only increasing. Our new program with Greenwich Hospital will truly be a life saver. Nothing like this exists in Greenwich today and we are proud to lead the charge.”

“It is great to see two of Greenwich’s most established and well-respected organizations come together to help meet the mental health needs of our town,” said Camillo. “More support is needed to make this program launch. For information you can always contact the Greenwich United Way.”

The GUW’s most recent needs assessment research found mental health care and counseling as the service area with the largest gap between need and adequate provisions. Since then, the organization has intensified its commitment to enabling accessible and affordable mental health care for all who need it.

In addition to fundraising for the facility, GUW is working to raise additional capital to provide subsidized access for the IOP program, ensuring that no one is turned away due to costs, co-pays or lack of insurance.

To support the build-out and operation of the Adolescent Behavioral Health Intensive Outpatient Program or learn more about the program, call 203-869-2221.

Governor Lamont and Commissioner Russell-Tucker Congratulate Two Connecticut Students Named 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars

Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker are congratulating two Connecticut students who were named today as 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields. The recognition is one of the nation’s highest honors for graduating high school seniors.

The recipients include:

• Ambika Grover, Greenwich High School
• Lukas Koutsoukos, Wilton High School

“I am so proud of Ambika and Lukas on being named U.S. Presidential Scholars and receiving this extraordinary national recognition in acknowledgement of everything they’ve achieved in their academic careers,” Governor Lamont said. “They represent some of the very best of Connecticut, and I applaud their perseverance and drive. Connecticut is home to some of the best schools in the nation, and that is due in large part to the incredible teachers and faculty we have in our state who dedicate themselves to providing our students with the highest-quality education possible.”

“Congratulations to Ambika and Lukas on being named 2023 US Presidential Scholars,” Commissioner Russell-Tucker said. “This is an outstanding achievement that reflects their exceptional academic abilities, strong work ethic, and impressive leadership skills. Ambika and Lukas have demonstrated a commitment to excellence, and I am confident that they will continue to make significant contributions to their communities and beyond. Congratulations once again, and best wishes for continued success.”

The U.S. Department of Education selected the program’s 59th class of 161 high school seniors from a national pool of student semifinalists, who were nominated for their high academic performance and distinguishing themselves by overcoming hardships, achieving a unique accomplishment, or demonstrating outstanding leadership.

Each year, the U.S. Department of Education invites states to nominate students for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The Connecticut State Department of Education invites school districts to recommend students for the program.

The White House Commission of Presidential Scholars selects scholars based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

The Presidential Scholars Class of 2023 will be recognized for their outstanding achievement this summer with an online recognition program.

A complete list of 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars is available at www.ed.gov/psp.

                                             Nearly 13,000 Children Benefitted From Kids In Crisis 25By25 Campaign Since 2021 

Anonymous donor set to match all new 25By25 campaign gifts of any level up to $25,000 received by June 30. 

Kids In Crisis has launched 25By25, a multi-year campaign in response to the exponential rise of mental health crises in children coinciding with the pandemic. So far, 25By25 has positively impacted the lives of 12,918 youth since its inception in 2021.

To increase the positive work made possible by 25By25, an anonymous donor will match any new pledges received by Kids In Crisis for the campaign up to $25,000. The matching challenge applies to all new donors at any level who sign up to 25By25 by June 30, 2023.

Kids In Crisis’s goal is to positively impact 25,000 children in need by 2025 through outreach services. Every gift makes a meaningful difference in a child’s life.

•          $30,000 provides one year of SafeTalk for 5,100 elementary school children.
•          $5,000 provides two months of psychiatric and psychological care for 12 children.
•          $3,000 covers one month of Lighthouse programming for 34 LGBTQ youth.
•          $1,000 covers one month of mental health counseling for one child in SafeHaven or TeenTalk.

“Crisis is an opportunity to make change,” said Shari Shapiro, Executive Director for Kids In Crisis. “Since the start of 25By25, Kids In Crisis has impacted nearly 13,000 children and youth through a combination of programs and services. With the support of our community, we will reach our goal of positively impacting 25,000 children by 2025, and ultimately ensuring that all children throughout Fairfield County are happy and safe.”

Thanks to the generosity of donors to the campaign to date, Kids In Crisis added four new TeenTalk programs and three Lighthouse programs in several Fairfield County towns. To learn more about 25By25 or to make a donation to be matched, please contact Rick Reichert at 203-622-6556 or rreichert@kidsincrisis.org, or visit our donation webpage.

More information can be found at www.kidsincrisis.org

Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones announced today the appointment of Dr. PJ Wax III as principal of Western Middle School, effective July 1. Dr. Wax replaces Mr. Gordon Beinstein who announced in January that he is retiring at the end of the school year. Dr. Wax will oversee all of WMS’ programs that meet the needs of its students with a strong focus on academic, personal, and interpersonal growth.

“Greenwich Public Schools continues to be the premiere destination for educators and administrators in our region as more than 60 candidates vied for this position,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Toni Jones said. “Dr. Wax was recognized by the interview committee, consisting of GPS teachers, parents, and senior administrators, as the right person to lead Western Middle School.”

Dr. Wax comes to GPS from Stamford Public School’s Westhill High School where he has served as an assistant principal since 2012. As assistant principal for one of the largest and most diverse schools in the State of Connecticut, he has created opportunities for students and staff to expand their horizons.

During his tenure at Westhill, Dr. Wax has supervised nearly every department, Dr. Wax supported Special Education students and families through the PPT and 504 processes, chaired numerous committees, utilized data from both the district and school levels to implement interventions through the Response to Intervention process to help support student success, and worked to close the achievement gap amongst diverse student populations.

In his time at Westhill, Dr. Wax worked with all grade levels, including directly overseeing the ninth grade class where he focused on building a strong bridge from eighth grade. Most recently, he forged a partnership with Manhattanville College’s Changing Suburbs Institute establishing Westhill as the first Professional Development School outside of Westchester County. He has earned accolades working with English Language Learners, most recently, focusing his doctoral dissertation on “A Program Evaluation of an English Learner Acquisition Program in a Public, Urban High School in Connecticut.”

"I am so proud to be named as the next principal of Western Middle School and thrilled to be part of a school culture that prioritizes student well-being, offers a range of extracurricular activities, and supports personal growth and development,” Dr. Wax said. “I am impressed with the highly qualified and dedicated teachers, the diverse student population, and strong sense of community at Western and cannot wait to begin.”

Prior to his time as an administrator at Westhill HS, Dr. Wax was a social studies teacher for 17 years at Our Lady of Sorrows School in White Plains, NY, West Rocks Middle School in Norwalk, Walter Panas HS in Cortlandt Manor, NY, and Fairfield Ludlowe HS.

Dr. Wax earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science/History, from Manhattanville College and a Master of Science in Education, Intermediate Administrative and Supervision Certification (092), Sixth Year Degree in Educational Leadership, and Educational Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Bridgeport.

Stamford, CT - The Stamford Land Conservation Trust is excited to announce the successful installation of an osprey nesting platform at Wallacks Drive on the Wallacks Preserve. The installation event took place on Saturday, April 15th, and the osprey tower is now ready to welcome an osprey family.

The Osprey tower was installed to promote the conservation and protection of the local Osprey population. The tower provides a safe and stable environment for ospreys to nest and raise their young, and the installation was a significant step forward in the conservation efforts of the Stamford Land Conservation Trust.

The Stamford Land Conservation Trust would like to extend its thanks to all the volunteers, donors, and supporters who made this project possible. The trust is committed to preserving the natural beauty of the area and will continue to work towards the conservation of local wildlife.

Additionally, the trust has launched a 24/7 live stream of the osprey nest, which can be accessed through the stamfordland.org website. The live stream will enable people to view the ospreys from the comfort of their own homes and will provide an opportunity for anyone interested in conservation efforts to learn more about these magnificent birds.

“This project started with an idea six months ago.  When I saw nearly 20 of my fellow Stamford residents, all volunteers, tugging on ropes to raise the platform, it really illustrated to me the power of cooperation based on an idea.  Now that a lot of hard work turned that ideal into reality, for the next 50 years or so, give or take, generations of osprey will call our preserve home,” said John Stone SLCT Treasurer and member of the Board of Directors. "We hope the live stream will help to raise awareness of the importance of conservation and inspire people to get involved in protecting our local wildlife."

For more information on the Stamford Land Conservation Trust and its conservation efforts, please visit stamfordland.org.

Back by popular demand! Registration is now open for the 2nd Greenwich Police Department Scholarship Fund 2023 Benefit Car Show, held on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at Town Hall, 101 Field Point Rd., Greenwich, CT, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. (Rain date: May 20, 2023) Admission is free to spectators and will include classic, antique, custom, and exotic cars, motorcycles, and vintage fire trucks.

The Greenwich Police Department Scholarship Fund invites car owners to sign up for early-bird pre-registration before May 8. As space is limited, vehicles will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. The registration cost is $20 per vehicle. If you would like to show your vehicle or motorcycle, please register here

Car clubs are welcome. Same-day registration will be accepted at the entrance if space allows at $25 per vehicle. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Greenwich Police Department Scholarship Fund.

The family-fun event will include a DJ, a 50/50 drawing, food trucks, and more. Sponsorship opportunities start at just $50 and also includes $125 as a Trophy Sponsor and $250 to participate as an on-site sponsor. Automobile dealership opportunities begin at $500, which includes on-site participation and a vehicle to display on-site as well. Sponsors to date include Greenwich Magazine, Cadillac of Greenwich, Renewal by Anderson, First Bank of Greenwich, Greenwich Sentinel, Highland Sewer & Drain, Baille Herschman P.C. Law Offices, Freccia Brothers, and Broken Silence Custome Car Audio. 

"We are proud that the Town of Greenwich Police Department has a long-standing reputation of supporting our Officers and their families," said Chief of Police James Heavey. "The Scholarship Fund recognizes the achievements of qualified and deserving students of Greenwich Police Officers while honoring the dedication of the Officers themselves. I can't think of a better way for the public to thank Greenwich Officers for their commitment to our community."

The Greenwich Police Department's Scholarship Fund, a non-profit 501 (c) (3), grants financial assistance to the children of active Greenwich Police Officers who qualify by ability and character for undergraduate studies.

For more information or if you would like to become a sponsor, please call (203) 622.7884 or go to https://www.gpdscholarshipfund.org