If our weather prognosticators are correct, then chances are we are smack dab in the middle of a Nor’easter here in Greenwich. If we are not, we are reminded of what Mark Twain said: “Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.”
Earlier this week when mentioning the potential storm, a friend quipped dramatically, “Beware the Ides of March.” She made it sound so ominous. What did she mean? There was hazy recognition from a bygone English literature class that this was a Shakespearen quote, but we could not fully place it. So we looked it up.
The actual quote is from Shakespeare’s tragedy, Julius Caesar. The warning, uttered by a soothsayer, is to let Julius Caesar know his life would be in danger on the fifteenth of March, which in those days was the deadline for settling all debts. On that day, in 44 BC, Julius Caesar was assassinated, brutally stabbed 23 times by a mob of Senators led by his protégés and alleged friends, Cassius and Brutus. (“Et tu, Brute?”)
We feel the Internal Revenue Service missed a golden marketing opportunity when it chose April 15th as the official Tax Day instead of March 15th. We envision a television commercial for the IRS in which Julius Caesar, dressed in his toga and fending off his attackers, turns to the camera and says, “Don’t let this happen to you! Beware the Ides of March and pay your taxes!” Before he expires, he turns to his friend and says “Et tu, Brute?” Brutus responds, “Not me, my taxes, and my debts, are all paid!”
A little tongue in cheek, we admit, but there should be nothing to be weary of this month. In fact, there are many fun happenings occurring throughout town this month. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held on March 18th. On March 24th, the great local band The Shaves will perform at Caren’s Cos Cobber. And, Easter is April 1st this year.
There are too many events to list here, but they are worth checking out. Look at The Sentinel’s calendar regularly, as well as the daily email “5 Things” to keep up to date on all of the events. Not getting the “5 Things” email every morning? You can sign up on our website or email your request to Editor@GreenwichSentinel.com. It is a great way to keep informed about what is happening in Greenwich.
A passing noted…
Earlier this week, Fairfield Judge of Probate Daniel Caruso died unexpectedly at the age of 60. Dan, a friend to all who knew him, was born in Greenwich and still has family here. A life-long believer in giving back to his community, Dan’s list of accomplishments are many and varied. His dedication to his hometown of Fairfield knew no bounds. He served on numerous boards and commissions and was elected to the state House of Representatives, in 1989, and served for three terms. Before our own David Hopper was elected Greenwich’s Judge of Probate, Dan returned to Greenwich to serve as its interim Judge.
Whether meeting Dan for the first time or the hundredth, he greeted you with a warm smile, a firm handshake and a genuine curiosity in your life. From the first acquaintance, you knew you had a friend for life. He was the consummate gentleman, one whom we assumed we would have many more interactions with. We are sad that will not be the case. He will be missed. The legacy he leaves of public service and commitment to community is one that will be honored for many years to come.
