NEIGHBORHOODS
What’s going on in your part of Greenwich
The Greenwich Historical Society recently acquired a painting called “Front Porch” by John Henry Twachtman, a central figure in the Cos Cob Art Colony in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
“Front Porch,” painted sometime between 1896 and 1899, is an Impressionist depiction of the south entrance of Twachtman’s home on Round Hill Road, where he lived with his family.
The people who spent time at Cos Cob art colony played a major role in shaping American art in the 20th century. Artists gathered at the Holley House to work and teach, including Childe Hassam, Ernest Lawson, Theodore Robinson, J. Alden Weir and more.
The historical society held a reception in June to honor the donors who made the purchase of the painting possible. It did not publicly share the price paid for the painting.
“We are grateful to the generous donors who enabled us to purchase the painting in honor of art historian and long-serving Greenwich Historical Society Trustee Dr. Susan G. Larkin,” Historical Society Executive Director and CEO Debra Mecky said in a statement.
Donors included Sally and Larry Lawrence, Mary Ellen LeBien, Isabel and Peter L. Malkin, David and Lindsay Ormsby, Lucy and Lawrence Ricciardi, Davidde and Ronald Strackbein, Reba and Dave Williams and Lily Downing and David Yudain.
John Nelson, another donor, currently resides in Twachtman’s former home on Round Hill Road.
Central Greenwich
Greenwich’s state house delegation has secured $400,000 to repair the elevators at Greenwich Library.
State representatives Rachel Khanna, D-149; Steve Meskers, D-150; and Hector Arzeno, D-151 secured funding from the state government that will go toward fixing all three elevators at the library’s main branch.
Repairs are expected to cost about $865,000, which will fix outstanding safety issues, upgrade mechanical equipment and controls and ensure the elevators comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“I am thrilled to announce that the Greenwich House Delegation secured $400,000 — approximately half the total cost of the project — for elevator modernization at the Greenwich Library,” Khanna said in a statement. “It’s important that all of our residents can safely and easily access the amazing resources on all four floors of the library, including the children’s section on the top level.”
The trio of Democratic representatives also recently secured a higher construction reimbursement rate for the Central Middle School rebuild project, which equates to roughly $15 million more than expected coming back to the town.
Joe Williams, executive director of Greenwich Library, said he and the community are thankful for the support from the legislators.
“I am so pleased with the generous support Greenwich Library is receiving from the State of Connecticut in conjunction with the Town of Greenwich,” he said in a statement. “This project will ensure that our library, one of the busiest in Connecticut, will remain accessible and safe.”
Downtown
The Wallace Center, formerly the Greenwich Senior Center, is hosting a summer concert series starting Friday.
Concert pianist Rebecca J. Carda Leigh kicks off the series with Bach, Mozart, Chopin and more on Friday. Future performers will play other classical music, as well as classic rock and light jazz.
The concerts start on July 5 and happen each Friday until Aug. 2.
Shows are at 1:30 p.m. at the Wallace Center, 299 Greenwich Ave. The concerts will be on the second floor, at the Greenwich Arts Council Meeting Room, followed by ice cream at the Wallace Cafe on the first floor.
The series is free, but seating is limited and registration is required. Call 203-862-6721 to register. Wallace Center members can register at myactivecenter.com.
Greenwich
The Greenwich Department of Human Services Fund is seeking donations for its annual Boots & Shoes fundraiser.
The fund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that accepts charitable contributions to support programs and services offered by the town’s human services department.
The Boots & Shoes fundraiser had historically been supported by the Salvation Army, but that partnership ended in 2023 “due to unforeseen circumstances,” according to a fund press release.
The fund is, as a result, is spearheading a new campaign to ensure all kids in town can buy a new pair of shoes.
“We understand the importance of providing our children with the resources they need to thrive,” GDHS Fund President Blaise Punturo said in a statement. “Proper footwear is not just a matter of comfort; it’s essential for their health and participation in activities.”
Donations can be made online on the GDHS Fund website or via the GDHS Fund’s Amazon Wish List.
For additional information about the Boots & Shoes program and the nonprofit organization, visit the GDHS Fund website.