Recent Stories, Letters, OpEds and Columns
Shaking Up the Healthcare System Yet Again
Tweet Share By Russell R. Barksdale, Jr. The cumulative attributes that once established the United States as a global leader in healthcare—groundbreaking medical innovation, world-class physician training, and timely accessibility—remains threatened. Once revered as the standard-bearer for medical
This will Not be Remembered Well
The continued killing taken place in Gaza will not be remembered well. It is tragic for all sides.
Freedom to Roam
The freedom to Roam leads to purpose and meaning
Building Academic Confidence through Color-coding
Strategies such as color-coding help students with learning differences process information more efficiently in a wide variety of academic areas. Learning to use such strategies independently builds confidence, and helps all students, with or without learning differences.
The Mead School ushers in spring with dynamic ‘Exhibition of Curiosity’
Last Friday, dozens of students from The Mead School, ranging from the Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) through the seventh grade, along with their friends, family members, teachers and other supporters, ushered in the spring season with a memorable ‘Exhibition of Curiosity’ event that kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Editorial: Fill Out the Mirror
Tweet Share In Greenwich, where the outward signs of prosperity are common, it is easy to presume that all is well and everyone has plenty. The streets are clean, the schools ranked, and the homes—many of them—proclaim
Greenwich Police Department Hosts Memorable Police Day event
Last Saturday, more than 150 people gathered at the Greenwich Police Department at 11 Bruce Place to partake in its popular annual event, Police Day, in which they were able to learn about its high-tech display of Specialized Response Unit trucks, cars, drones and other equipment while enjoying such amenities as a bouncy castle, ice cream truck, hot dog barbeque and other fun things.
Grant Gregory Sr. Celebrated for Pioneering Role with the National Forest Foundation
Grant Gregory Sr. of Greenwich was celebrated at the Glen Arbor Golf Club he founded in Bedford Hills, N.Y. for his contribution to the creation of the National Forest Foundation (NFF) that supports the National Forests and Grasslands. The gathering also marked the 30th anniversary of the NFF fundraising Sporting Clays Invitational.
United Way Survey to Shape Services Blueprint
Tweet Share By Anne White With inboxes pinging across town this week, the Greenwich United Way officially launched its 2025 Needs Assessment, a comprehensive community survey aimed at mapping out which human services Greenwich residents believe are
News Briefs: May 16
Tweet Share Byram Veterans Parade Time Updated The Byram Veterans Parade will take place on May 25 at 1pm, an hour earlier than previously announced. It will begin at Veterans Way on Delevan Avenue and end with
Havemeyer Building Redevelopment Plans Revive Long-Standing Debate
Tweet Share Last year, First Selectman Fred Camillo published an op-ed stating that the Town of Greenwich “must secure an affirmative vote from the BOE to proceed” with the public-private redevelopment of the Havemeyer Building, located at
RMA Presents “History and Highlights of the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art”
The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford, Connecticut, established in 1842 and opened in 1844, is the oldest continuously operating public art museum in the United States, founded by Daniel Wadsworth and enriched over time by major benefactors like Elizabeth Colt and the Morgan family. The museum has played a pioneering role in American art history, hosting landmark exhibitions and expanding its collection under visionary directors such as Chick Austin, who introduced modern and contemporary art, and continues to innovate with programs like the Matrix series and partnerships like the Amistad Center for Art & Culture. Today, the Wadsworth maintains its community focus through free admission for Hartford residents, diverse exhibitions, and a welcoming environment, earning recognition as one of the nation’s top art museums.
Pharmaceutical Trafficking: From Cross-Border Pricing to Global Trade Wars
Tweet Share By Russell R. Barksdale, Jr The story of mail-order pharmaceuticals in the United States is a tale that spans decades, woven through consumer pricing, policy loopholes, international trade, and most recently, geopolitical tensions. Over twenty years
The Creator and Subtle Beauty
This reflective column explores the quiet, soul-nourishing beauty of Greenwich in the spring, contrasting it with the grandeur of more dramatic landscapes. It invites readers to slow down and encounter the presence of the Creator through the subtle rhythms of nature. Through personal story, ancient prayer, and spiritual insight, the piece reveals how ordinary places can become sacred spaces.
At One Time or Another, We’ve All Come from Away
A musical production of Come From Away is a powerful reminder of what can happen when people treat each other with compassion, generosity and kindness.
Tell Them They Are Awesome!
To elevate your community, celebrate everyone for their contributions, big and small.
Editorial: 100 Days of May
Tweet Share May, though modest in name, is a month of monumental exertion. It does not unfold so much as it surges—thirty-one days of converging obligations and emotional milestones. To navigate May requires poise, strength, and a
Greenwich Hospital School of Nursing Alums Gather for Their 50th and Final Meeting
At the 50th gathering of the alumnae of the Greenwich Hospital School of Nursing, that closed in 1975, the alumni nurses shared their memories over their last to be held luncheon at the Milbrook Club in Greenwich.
Celebrating Progress, Spreading Awareness
At Pathways, we believe that every individual—regardless of diagnosis—deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, purpose, and hope. We encourage you to get involved, ask questions, educate yourself, and be a part of the change. Together, we can create a future where mental health is treated with the same compassion and priority as physical health.
School Budget Tensions with Post-Deadline Reckoning
Tweet Share By Elizabeth Barhydt In a 5–3 decision at its May 1 meeting, the Greenwich Board of Education extended Dr. Toni Jones’ contract through June 30, 2028. With a total compensation package exceeding $340,000, Dr. Jones—the
News Briefs: May 9
Tweet Share POLICE & FIRE Detectives Graduate Fairfield County Program Detectives Arrington, Ciarleglio, Su Ah Sor, Rosario, Daly, and CIO Diaz completed the 63rd Annual Detective School organized by the Fairfield County Detective Conference. The two-week program
RMA Presents “The Surprising Expansion History of the Universe”
Dr. Adam Riess, Nobel laureate, spoke to the Greenwich Retired Men’s Association about the discovery that the universe’s expansion is accelerating, a finding driven by observations of distant supernovae and attributed to mysterious “dark energy.” He recounted the initial skepticism and eventual acceptance of this breakthrough, which challenged previous assumptions and required a decade of cross-verification with other cosmological data. Despite confirming the acceleration, the true nature of dark energy and the “Hubble constant tension” remain unresolved, highlighting profound gaps in our understanding of the universe and the need for continued research and funding.
Who Is Government? – Book Review and Thoughts
“Democratic government isn’t really designed to highlight the individual achievement of unelected officials. You never hear a word about who these people are or where they come from or why it ever occurred to them to bother. Nothing to change the picture in your head when you hear the word ‘bureaucrat.’ Nothing to arouse curiosity about them or lead you to ask what they do, or why they do it.”
Teachers Have All the Answers
Feel free to condense!
Olympic medalists Maia and Alex Shibutani shine on sidelines at 2025 Boston Worlds
Maia and Alex Shibutani, the 2018 two-time Olympic bronze medalists, three-time World medalists and two-time U.S. champions who originally hail from Greenwich, were, much to the delight of many, on hand at the 2025 World Championships at the TD Garden in Boston last week where they spent time catching up with friends and others to designate this as a another golden moment for them with the fact that the last time they had been at this venue in 2016, they clinched a World silver medal.
GenZ Hustle looks different now (and that’s a good thing)
At-a-Glance:
✅ Gen Z isn’t lacking grit—they’re showing it differently
✅ Why traditional work signals are missing the mark
✅ How leaders in Greenwich and beyond can shift perceptions and unlock Gen Z’s strengths
Sacred Heart Greenwich Hosts 4th Annual Earth Day Celebration
Earth Day at Sacred Heart Greenwich 💚🌍
On Friday, April 25th Sacred Heart Greenwich came together as a community to celebrate Earth Day in a truly hands-on and heart-filled way! On their 110-acre campus, 72 student presenters—from Kindergarten through High School—joined 31 dedicated faculty members to lead interactive Earth Day workshops across outdoor classrooms, a pond, meadow, and herb garden. From exploring moss science research and building bluebird habitats to diving into composting, tree planting, and spending time with the always-popular baby goats.
In 2022, Sacred Heart Greenwich was certified to be an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and is one of only three schools in the country to receive this designation honoring a strong commitment to sustainability and stewardship.
Students inspired one another with their passion for protecting our planet. It was a day of learning from nature, nurturing the earth, and growing together as stewards of the environment.
How do we celebrate trees? Let us count the ways…
As trees in Greenwich awaken from their winter slumber, it’s hard not to remark on their dazzling display. In the Greenwich Tree Conservancy, we have programs which celebrate a tree of exceptional size or beauty, but also recognize their significance in our lives as well.
Four-member Greenwich skating crew helps Skyliners Junior team clinch bronze at World Junior Synchronized Championships
Last month, the 20-member New York metro area-based Skyliners Junior skating team, of which four of its athletes are based in Greenwich, clinched bronze at the World Junior Synchronized Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden in triumphant style.
The First Bank of Greenwich ushers in spring with remarkable art display by Dollka and Dave Morico
Last Wednesday, more than 125 people gathered at The First Bank of Greenwich Cos Cob headquarters to celebrate the spring season with festivities in sparkling style to experience and view the fantastic display of culturally inspired paintings and other artworks created by Dollka and Dave Morico of the Dollka & Dave Gallery in New Canaan.
Editorial: Will the Curtain Rise Again?
Tweet Share Something exciting is quietly unfolding near the bottom of Greenwich Avenue. While the details are still under wraps, a growing sense of anticipation is building. A new Starbucks? Not quite—though you’ll find one nearby. What’s
Audubon CT Environmental Leadership Awardee Eunice Burnett Honored at Event
The 2025 Audubon Connecticut Environmental Leadership Awards Benefit held at the Tamarack Country Club in Greenwich, CT featured talks by Dr. Elizabeth Shay, CEO of the National Audubon Society and Awardee Eunice Burnett of Greenwich for her impactful work in conservation and environmental community building.
Artificial Intelligence
Let me know what you think about giving ChatGPT a try, or ideas on how to turn our limited town resources into the best possible outcomes.
Lift for a Cause: Spotlighting Gary Sinise Foundation
Tweet Share By Elizabeth Barhydt Town Hall’s front plaza took on new meaning Wednesday morning as a striking piece of equipment turned heads for more than just its utility. Under a cloudless blue sky and flanked by
News Briefs: May 2
Tweet Share POLICE & FIRE Patrol Responds Swiftly to Emergencies Last Wednesday, the Cos Cob Fire Police Patrol company responded to four incidents. Patrol 2 handled two motor vehicle accidents on I-95 North and South, then Utility
Children Against Mines Program Inspires Greenwich Rotary
Tweet Share By Anne White At a recent luncheon hosted by the Greenwich Rotary Club, the spotlight turned global as representatives from the Marshall Legacy Institute’s Children Against Mines Program (CHAMPS) addressed members with stories of humanitarian
Growing Up a Writer in Greenwich – Francis Steegmuller
Notable author, Francis Steegmuller, attributed much of his writing success to his teachers at Greenwich High School.
Budgeting Is An Exercise In Prioritization
Tweet Share By Tina Courpas Budgeting is an exercise in prioritization. We wish we could fund everything, but we can’t. Budgeting is even harder if one has a history of overspending, credit card debt, and external factors
Relaunching
When I speak to groups about my eldercare advisory business—especially when the audience is women between 40 and 60—the conversation often shifts to one thing: relaunching. Such a great word. It’s a powerful word. It conjures an image of someone who’s been stuck on land too long, finally pushing off into unknown waters. That’s what it feels like to start something new at this stage: exciting, a little terrifying, and full of questions. Do I still have what it takes? Am I ready?
RMA Presents “Nuclear Energy’s Place in Power Generation”
Grae’s presentation highlighted the importance of nuclear power for meeting rising electricity demands, ensuring energy security, and achieving climate goals. He emphasized nuclear energy’s reliability and safety record, as well as the economic advantages and development of advanced nuclear fuels. The presentation also discussed repurposing coal plant sites with small modular reactors and the future opportunities for nuclear power in the United States.
Appreciating Those Who Volunteer
For National Volunteer Month, let’s take time to celebrate people who donate their time. There are many ways to give back. Think about what you care about and get involved.
Editorial: Hidden Taxes
Tweet Share By any meaningful definition of political courage, Senator Ryan Fazio and Representative Tina Courpas are exhibiting it. In a state that has long treated energy costs as a regrettable inevitability—something to be murmured about in
The Greenwich Audubon Center is Resurging with Renovation
The Audubon Center in backcountry Greenwich is undergoing a restoration, with help from the National Audubon Society, new Audubon Center leadership, and local community support.
Connecticut’s Electric Bill Burden
Tweet Share By Elizabeth Barhydt On a spring evening in New Canaan, with the summer’s first heat creeping into forecasts, two legislators stood before a full auditorium and tried to answer a question echoing across Connecticut: Why
A Model of Progress: Groundbreaking Launches Long-Awaited School Renovation in Greenwich
Tweet Share By Tom Williamson On a beautiful spring morning, shovels hit the dirt at Old Greenwich School—not just to turn soil, but to turn the page on a years-long chapter. After more than two years of
News Briefs: April 25
Tweet Share POLICE & FIRE Greenwich Hosts Drug Take Back The Greenwich Police Department will participate in National Drug Take Back Day on April 26, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. During this time, individuals can
Olana’s Landscape: A 19th-Century Canvas Shaped by Art, Nature, and Vision
Frederic Church’s Olana estate reflects his artistic genius and commitment to preserving the natural world, blending art, nature, and ecological restoration. Ms. Keogh’s presentation highlighted Church’s influences, including his apprenticeship with Thomas Cole, admiration for Alexander von Humboldt, and engagement with ecological principles, which shaped Olana’s meticulously designed landscape and architecture. Today, Olana serves as a historic site and cultural center, preserving Church’s legacy while inspiring contemporary artists and advocating for environmental conservation.
Reverend Dr. Justin Crisp Celebrating Second Easter at His Growing St. Barnabas Church
Rev. Dr. Justin Crisp spells out what drives his ministry and what is growing his backcountry Greenwich church St. Barnabas.
Greenwich Academy Varsity A lacrosse team excels on both ends of the field in victory against GCDS
Tweet Share By David Fierro 06878 Photography by Antonio Monteiro: Greenwich Academy senior captain Lila Volpe sprints down the field with the ball during the Gators’ Varsity A team’s 13-4 victory over visiting Greenwich Country Day School
Dull to Shine
The gifts of crafting…