Actresses to share stories from backstage on ‘Wicked’
Out there… Greenwich Library is featuring a special virtual event called “A Wickedly Good Evening: Two Actresses from ‘Wicked’” at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 4. Participants will get to meet and hear from actresses who have performed in leading roles in the touring companies of “Wicked” — Jillian Butler, who played Glinda, and Talia Suskauer, who played Elphaba. They will share backstage stories and insights as well as their experiences performing these iconic, female-leading roles. Bring your own questions for the Q&A session. Each actress will also perform a musical selection from “Wicked.” For more info and to participate, go to www.greenwichlibrary.org .
Out there… The Town of Greenwich granted an official proclamation declaring Feb. 26, 2021, as Rare Disease Awareness Day, with a presentation by First Selectman Fred Camillo at Greenwich Town Hall. It was followed by a free public webinar featuring local rare disease foundations. Camillo presented the proclamation to Greenwich resident John Hopper, president of the Greenwich-based Fibrolamellar Cancer Foundation. His foundation represented the over 7,000 known rare diseases struggling to amplify the critical message of awareness this year. Camillo noted that Rare Disease Awareness Day is personal for his family because he lost his sister Donna Marie to a rare form of pediatric leukemia. Webinar speakers and participants included Lesley Bennett, state ambassador for the Rare Action Network of the National Organization of Rare Disorders; Dr. Stephanie R. Paulmeno, public health promotion specialist for the Greenwich Department of Health; Mark Carles, FCF patient advocate; Phil Marella, of the Dana’s Angels Research Trust (DART); Taruna Reddy, who spoke about PACS1 Syndrome; Emily Kubik, who spoke on EB research; Alan Gunzburg, of the First Selectman’s Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities; Allyson Buck, from the VWM Family Foundation; and Gregg Pauletti, of the Golden Lights Foundation. Rare Disease Awareness Day is celebrated across the globe during the last week in February. For more info, visit www.rarediseases.org.
Scene… Actors Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively of Bedford, N.Y., once again donated $1 million to Feeding America and Food Banks Canada
to help individuals impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and in need of help. The couple previously donated $500,000 to both groups back in March at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hair do’s… Harriet’s Hair Bar has opened at the new My Suite Boutique, a new self-care destination with private suites at 146 Sound Beach Ave. in Old Greenwich. The salon’s owner Harriet Skroubelos, a hair professional with 27 years of experience, was formerly based in Riverside and Stamford. For more info and to make an appointment, call 203-9126205, or see her on Facebook and Instagram.
Celebrating… J.McLaughlin will host a Sip & Shop Spring Styling Event to benefit the Parsonage Cottage senior residence from Friday, March 5, through Sunday, March 7, in the shop at 55 E. Putnam Ave. in Greenwich. The event, hosted by Greenwich residents Sue Bodson and Bobbi Eggers, will allow patrons to shop in-store with social distancing or shop virtually, with a portion of each sale donated to Parsonage Cottage. Curbside pickup, local delivery and complimentary shipping will also be offered. For more info and to order items, call 203-862-9777 or email stctgreenwich@mclaughlin.com.
Scene… The Boys & Girls Club of Stamford is hosting a virtual event for International Women’s Day called Choose To Challenge at 7 p.m. March 8. Rowena Track, CEO of the BGCS, will moderate conversations with distinguished women leaders, including Indra Nooyi, former chairman and CEO of PepsiCo; Margaret Keane, CEO of
Synchrony; Kathleen Silard, president and CEO of Stamford Health; and Juanita James, president and CEO of the Fairfield County Community Foundation. The event will be a celebration of the social, economic, political and cultural achievements of women. It also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. The panelists will share powerful stories to inspire participants to take away lessons of hope and action to empower the next generation. The event is free but donations are encouraged. For more info and to register, go to http://bgcastamford.org/ InternationalWomens Day21.
Out there… Developers are proposing to change the former space of Ralph Lauren at 257 Greenwich Ave. into a multipurpose, public commercial spot that would include a fitness/wellness center and café. The storefront for the clothing store, which opened in 2007, has remained vacant since its closure in 2017.
Dining out… Moon restaurant has officially opened its doors at 130 E. Putnam Ave. in Greenwich, the former location of Asiana Cafe. The restaurant, spearheaded by New York-based Ambias Hospitality Group, offers a modern American approach to Asian-inspired cuisine along with an immersive cocktail program and an authentic Japanese Omakase experience. For more info, call 475-500-0888.
And that’s all for now. Later…
“A bend in the road is not the end of the road … unless you fail to make the turn.” — Helen Keller
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