December 13, 2019 by Greenwich Sentinel

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FRIDAY, December 13, 2019

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Dedication of New Lebanon School By Richard Kaufman

S The Greenwich

Represent at ive To w n M e e t i n g h a s overwhelmingly approved the 2019 Plan of Conser vation and Development, by a vote o f 14 8 -2 4 w i t h f o u r abstentions. The POCD is the guiding document for the town, which sets the roadmap and vision for the future, especially with issues related to budget and planning and zoning. The vote comes after months of preparation and meetings. It was believed the RTM wou ld delay vote u nt i l after the New Year, but the POCD received a lot of support from the town’s governing body.

S Governor Ned Lamont

a nnou nced t hat he has scheduled Tuesday, January 21, 2020 as t he date to hold a specia l elec t ion to fill a vacancy for state representative in the 151st Assembly District of the C on ne c t ic ut Hou s e of Representatives. The seat, which consists of portions of Greenwich, became vacant on Dec. 2 following the resignation of Fred Camillo.

S Greenwich Democrats

have chosen Cheryl Moss, an RTM member, to be t heir ca ndidate for t he special election to replace Fred Camillo in Hartford. Republicans will decide on t heir candidate t his weekend. There is one-year remaining on Camilo’s twoyear term.

S Officers will be

patrolling shopping districts in t he coming days. The Greenwich Police Department is offering up some tips to remain safe this holiday season. Park in a well-lit area; remember where you parked your car; lock your doors and take your keys; don’t leave va luables in clea r v iew within your vehicle; be alert and avoid using your cell phone; never leave personal belongings unattended; teach children to ask store personnel or security for help if they get separated f r om y ou ; ne ve r le ave children alone in the car

S The pedestrian who was

struck by a car on Nov. 29 in Old Greenwich has died, according to the Greenwich Police Department. Anyone who may have seen t he collision or has information is urged to contact the GPD at 203-622-8014. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. At this time, no charges have been filed as this is an ongoing investigation.

Tw o y e a r s t o t h e d a y s i n c e t h e initial groundbreaking, the community gathered in the gymnasium of the new New Lebanon School last Saturday for the official dedication of the building to the Town of Greenwich and the Greenwich Board of Education. The school officially opened to students and faculty this past February, and the demolition of the old school took place in the spring. Along with residents and New Leb students, state and local elected officials, and members of the New Lebanon School Building Committee (NLSBC), were in attendance at the dedication ceremony. Several speakers talked about the school and the impact it has had, and will continue to have, on the community. "We can look forward to many, many ye a rs of e duc at iona l excel lence a nd memories made here in this state of the art facility," said First Selectman, Fred Camillo, who praised the delegation to Hartford that he used to be a part of, for securing funding for construction. Due to the historic budget impasse in Hartford several years ago, state funding for the project was put in jeopardy for months. However, with perseverance and dedication, the school was able to come to fruition. Camillo thanked former State Sen. Scott Frantz, former State Rep. Mike Bocchino, and State Rep. Livvy Floren for their hard work. "Three times the money for this school was taken out of the budget by the governor. Three times, the delegation worked with everybody up there and met with every single legislator to make sure that money was put back in there," Camillo added. It's

expected that the state will reimburse the town for up to 64 percent of the total $34.3 million project cost. State Rep. Stephen Meskers (D-150) said the school is now in the hands of "a dedicated band of educators." "I think the most important thing we can do today is dedicate the school to those professionals who will lead our children into the future," he said. Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Toni Jones, pointed out the ways in which New Lebanon School is special. "There are almost 88,000 K-5 schools in America, and very few of them look like New Lebanon. Not only do we have a brand new school, but the 21st century learning environment that is provided for our staff and students makes such a big difference for students," she said, pointing out the bright colors and open, flowing learning spaces. The modernized building features a centrally located learning commons equipped with f lexible furnishings and adaptable technological infrastructure, w h i c h a l l ow s fo r mu lt ip l e z o n e s o f simultaneous learning. There are small group collaborative areas and independent study areas. The building is also designed to meet the sustainability goals established by the Educational Specifications and to achieve a gold-level LEED rating from the U.S. Green Building Council. There are 21 general classrooms, four dedicated classrooms for art, music and other activities, along with a media center, gymnasium and cafeteria. The old school was cramped, and was cited by the State Department of Education for violating the state’s racial balance laws. The new school aims to address that issue

by attracting magnet students from other areas of town. Clare Kilgallen, a member of the NLSBC and co-president of the PTA at New Leb., said the school's current student population of 300 represents a 31 percent increase from the same time last year. There are 23 magnet students as well. "If you build it, they will come, and they are coming," she said, adding that the sod is growing on the outside fields, which are

"I consider New Lebanon now to be a blank canvas. I can't wait to see what the students will create." Stephen Walko set to open in April. "This campus is our children's field of dreams and [the field of dreams] for the generations of children to come." New Leb. Principal Alexandra Bartholomew, who was hired last summer following the retirement of Barbara Riccio, said the students, faculty and families have embraced the building. "Our students’ and teachers' lives have truly changed in an incredible way over the last 10 months," she remarked, while thanking the NLSBC and Board of Education. "Our students and community

truly deserved this. It's incredible to watch our students use their minds to solve problems, challenge one another, and to discover new things in this innovative space." Stephen Walko, Chair of the NLSBC, said that the project was completed on time and on budget. He shared that a final Certificate of Occupancy will be presented and on display in the school by the end of December. "Famed basketball coach, John Wooden, once said, ‘Make everyday your masterpiece.’ I consider New Lebanon now to be a blank canvas. I can't wait to see what the students will create," Walko said. "Students, go and do wonderful things. Be caring, make us proud, we know you will. This school is for you." One of those students, Anthony Cebanos, a fifth grader, spoke about his experiences in the new building. Cebanos said that although he held fond memories of the old New Lebanon building, he "could never have imagined just how great the new New Lebanon School would be." After the ceremony, Riccio said it was "overwhelming" to be in the new building. She credited the New Leb. community for going through the construction seamlessly. Bocchino said he felt fortunate to lead the charge for a new school in Hartford. "It's hard to put into words what we had to go through in Hartford to get to the point where we could even form a building committee," he said. "We were up against an administration adamantly against any funding of any kind for the town of Greenwich... We were able to bring back true results that the town of Greenwich has really never seen before. To do it for these kids and this community will always be one of my greatest achievements."

Jan. 21 Special Election for State Rep.

Someone in Greenwich will soon have t he t ask of f i l l i ng the state representative seat prev iously held by now First Selectman Fred Camillo. Governor Ned Lamont schedu led Tues., Ja nua r y 21, 2020 as the date to hold a special election to f i l l a vaca nc y for state representative in the 151st Assembly District. The district, which contains portions of Greenwich, became vacant on December 2 following the resignation of Fred Camillo in order for him to serve as First Selectman. Under state law, the governor is required to issue a w rit of special election within ten days of a v a c a nc y i n t he G e ne ra l Assembly and a special election must be held exactly 46 days after the date the writ was issued. The w inner of the special election will hold the seat for the remainder of Camillo's term, which is another year. The seat w ill be up for g rabs again in November of 2020 during the regular election cycle. T h e D e m o c r a t i c To w n Com m it te e ( DTC) held t hei r

caucus at Central Middle School e a r l i e r t h i s we e k t o c h o o s e a nom inee. The pa r t y had to decide between former Board of Education Vice Chair Jennifer Dayton and Representative Town Meeting member Cheryl Moss.

T he D T C s ele c te d Cher yl Moss to run in the special election for the seat. Moss said that she i s " hu m b l e d by t h e vo t e o f conf idence from the DTC, and even more so by the whole Town

This Season's Hidden Gem The Drawing Room in Cos Cob

of Greenwich," from whom she said she has been receiving notes of congratulations and calls of support. Joe Angland, chairman of the DTC, said, "Cheryl Moss is a great candidate for the 151st district.

In addition to the intelligence and experience she brings to the table, she has a proven record of being able to work with others to get things done – a critical skill for a legislator. Cheryl’s recent unanimous election as Leader of RTM District 8 testif ies to this ability. She can show the same skills in Hartford that have distinguished her in the RTM." T h e R e p u b l i c a n To w n Committee (RTC) will caucus to choose their candidate on Dec. 15 at 4:30 pm. RTC chairman, Rich DiPreta said, "Fred Camillo has tirelessly and faithfully served the interests of the 151st and the Town of Greenwich as our State Representative for over ten years. With Fred now sworn-in as our First Selectman, Republicans will caucus on Sunday to select the Republican candidate to continue Fred’s legacy at the State Capital." There is no prov ision for a pr i m a r y s o whomeve r t he Republican caucus selects will be the candidate running against Cheryl Moss. Contact the registrar of voters for more information on voting.

Excerpts from The Waterwheel

A Picture Frame for Love

ILLUSTRATED BY WAJIH CHAUDHRY

The Briefing Room

By Jill S. Woolworth, LMFT Sometimes our concern about how we look or how we are perceived gets in the way of connecting with people. When we draw attention to our “frame” and worry about how we are perceived, we forget about the gift of love that our simple presence can offer. Pay attention to the people around you. Take the imaginary camera off yourself at your next social gathering. Ask questions. Find the lonely person. Taking a genuine interest in other people quiets our nervous self-consciousness, enhances our sense of wellbeing, and benefits others.

What better way to do some holiday shopping than stopping at The Drawing Room and Café in Cos Cob? Start off with a relaxed lunch or cup of tea in the café and then head to the boutique. They have an enchanting and fun collection of Christmas Tree ornaments for you to choose from. They also have a wonderful selection of gifts from hilarious dinner party games to a Nordic cookbook (the recipes are delicious). The owners, Kenleigh and Mike Larock are two of the nicest people around and everyone who works in the café and boutique are charming and engaging. Rush over, don't wait, to visit this Cos Cob hidden treasure. For a special treat, moms treat your daughters to traditional tea for two and start a new holiday tradition of creating quality time for just the two of you.

Two gifted speakers talked about faith to large groups. Avery was personal, funny and brilliant. She invited the audience into her open picture frame of God’s love. The audience was encouraged and inspired. Jess was equally eloquent and knowledgeable, but her comments about her dress, her jewelry, and her vacations prevented her listeners from getting beyond her frame to her message. In his late 80’s, Ivan raised money and awareness for a postincarceration support program. He became the quiet frame for the people he helped. They were the focal point of his picture. This is an excerpt from The Waterwheel by local author, Jill Woolworth, available through Amazon. Alternatively, we encourage you to shop locally where it is also available at Diane's Books or Dogwood Books and Gifts).