NEIGHBORHOODS
What’s going on in your part of Greenwich
Central Greenwich
His exploits as a con man were immortalized by Leonardo DiCaprio in the hit film “Catch Me If You Can,” directed by Steven Spielberg. And now he is coming virtually to the Greenwich Library.
Frank Abagnale, now an expert on forgery, embezzlement and security, will appear at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 4, in a live Zoom discussion on technology and identity theft.
The talk is part of Greenwich Library’s Learning Lab
Lecture series.
To register for the event, visit
https://bit.ly/333f07d.
Abagnale is also the bestselling author of “Scam Me If You Can: Simple Strategies to Outsmart Today’s Rip-off Artists.” He will discuss how every year con artists are able scam billions of dollars from people and how advancements in modern technological conveniences have led to a surge in phone and cyber scams, as well as medical and insurance fraud.
According to the library,
“Abagnale knows how to stop scammers in their tracks. Fifty years ago, he was one of the world’s most famous con men. His transformation into an international cybersecurity expert is the stuff of legend.”
The library said his new book “reveals the latest tricks that today’s scammers, hackers and con artists use to steal money and personal information, often online and over the phone.”
Copies of “Scam Me If You Can” are available to borrow from the library or for purchase from Diane’s Books.
Greenwich
The Greenwich Tree Conservancy has launched its 2021 Awesome Tree Contest, which offers residents a chance to express themselves through photography, art or poetry. Entries will be accepted through May 26.
There are several categories. The spring flair is for photographs or works of art celebrating “the joy of spring trees.” The walk amongst trees category is for photographs or works of art capturing “the sense of wonder of a walk in the woods.” All in the detail is a category for close-up photographs or works of art “highlighting a special tree detail,” such as its bark, leaves, knots or other ways it is special.
The final category is ode to a tree, which is for poetry submissions that “share your affection for a tree.”
The contest is typically held every other year, Greenwich Tree Conservancy Executive Director JoAnn Messina said. With residents getting outside again after the COVID-19 crisis, the timing was right to bring it back for the first time in three years, she said.
“A lot more people are outside looking at their trees. It’s a perfect time,” Messina said. “This contest gets people excited about trees and appreciating what they see in this community.”
Under the rules, all images must be taken within the town of Greenwich, and all photography and editing must be the work of the exhibitor. Participants are limited to one entry per category, with no more than three categories entered per person. All entries must be accompanied by an entry form.
Entry forms must be emailed to greenwichtree consverancy@gmail.com or sent in the mail to the GTC Tree Contest, P.O. Box 4215, Greenwich, CT 06831. The entry form can be downloaded at https://greenwich treeconservancy.org/ awesome-tree-contest-2021/. For assistance, call 203-6227380.
Winners will be notified by June 7. Those taking part are invited to attend the Greenwich Tree Conservancy’s awards reception at 3 p.m.
June 19 at the Greenwich Botanical Center in Cos Cob.
Downtown
Residents can show support for the nonprofit Parks and Recreation Foundation by taking part in a shopping event on Greenwich Avenue.
The foundation was created to raise private money to supplement the public funding for the town’s Parks and Recreation Department.
The fundraising event will kick off from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 5, at Veronica Beard at 252 Greenwich Ave. The store features women’s clothing, and organizers said it is an opportunity to pick up Mother’s Day gifts while supporting the foundation’s work.
“Veronica Beard’s spring collection is about celebrating ‘A Place In the Sun,’ so we are thrilled to support the Parks and Recreation Foundation’s mission of enhancing outdoor experiences,” said Erin Babiak, the store’s general manager.
The foundation will receive 10 percent of sales at the store through Saturday, May 8.
“The town of Greenwich Parks and Recreation Foundation welcomes the usage of our facilities, which empower residents to get outside and engage and recharge,” town Director of Parks and Recreation Joe Siciliano said. “We invite residents to join our movement to lead a new wave of investment in our parks and recreation system.”
The foundation said it “is dedicated to the transformative experiences our beautiful outdoors affords us, including capital improvements, park development and maintenance, landscape improvements, playground, and picnic area upgrades, beautification projects, special community events, and youth scholarships for recreational programs.”
To learn about the foundation, visit towngreenwich prfoundation.org. For information about the sales event, contact foundation board member Sue Bodson at sembodson@gmail.com.
Cos Cob
The Greenwich Historical Society is inviting visitors enjoy to the Tavern Garden Market on its campus at 47 Strickland Road in Cos Cob.
The market will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on alternating Wednesdays starting May 5 and lasting through November.
The market will feature farm fresh produce and eggs from the Double L Market as well as a “bring your own vase” flower bar. There will also be fresh-cut peony and dahlia deliveries from Bear Creek Farm, items from Wave Hill Bread, treats from Dough Girls and prepared food to enjoy for lunch or to take home for dinner. There will also be gifts and crafts for sale.
In good weather, the market will be held outside in the garden. In rainy weather, it will move inside the barn. Visitors can also enjoy the new outdoor seating at the historical society’s café.