Here's Your Two Minute Daily Riverside News Briefing, Also Known As, The Raw Riverside News Feed

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Riverside boy takes lead role in opera at Lincoln Center

NEW YORK -- Eli Abbasi might not be thrilled about all the work that has piled up in the last two weeks he has missed classes at Eastern Middle School, but that won't matter much when he takes the stage of Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center on Saturday.

The 13-year-old Riverside resident is taking on the title role in a production of "Amahl and the Night Visitors," a one-act opera by composer Gian Carlo Menotti that is put on regularly at Christmas time.

It's an enormous role, and Eli, who auditioned with the encouragement of his mother, will be performing among seasoned professional singers.

"I've sung in front of people before, but never like this," said Eli, after a full day of rehearsal recently at Columbia University, more than 50 blocks north of the concert hall.....

READ MORE AT:

Breaking Riverside News From The Greenwich Time

Riverside residents and television personalities Kathie Lee and Frank Gifford and daughter Cassidy were seen having lunch at Terra Ristorante on Greenwich Avenue last Saturday afternoon. Later, mother and daughter were seen getting manicures at Cozy Nails behind CVS.

Read more:

Riverside man taking molestation case to trial

A former Greenwich High School teaching aide charged with molesting a 10-year-old boy has opted for a jury trial after failing to come to a resolution with prosecutors, according to his lawyer.

Andrew Knapp, 28, of Riverside, was charged with fourth-degree sexual assault and risk of injury to a minor earlier this year after police said he inappropriately touched a boy while showering in the locker room at the Greenwich Boys & Girls Club.

Knapp's attorney, Rob Serafinowicz, said after meeting with prosecutors several times, they have decided to fight the charges at trial to clear Knapp's name. Knapp has pleaded not guilty to both charges.

"This case will go to trial and a jury will see the truth," Serafinowicz said. "My client looks forward to this trial and dealing with this matter and moving on with his life."

Detectives began investigating Knapp when a Greenwich boy's parents became suspicious of Knapp's behavior and asked their son about him. The son said that Knapp had touched him on four occasions while in the locker room shower. In each instance, Knapp allegedly came into the shower stall naked and asked to borrow some shampoo and if the boy could wash his back where he could not reach, according to the warrant. The victim told police that on three of the four occasions, Knapp washed the boy's back and Knapp's hands went "from his back to the top of (the boy's) buttocks," according to the warrant.

Knapp worked at the Boys & Girls Club as a swim instructor. He was also employed by Greenwich High School. Since his arrest, he has resigned from both positions.....

READ MORE AT:

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Riverside Home Sales Slow

Russell Pruner, the owner of Riverside-based Shore & Country Properties, who also compiles sales figures, noted that inventory is currently very high, and homes are not falling off the market.

For example, of the 95 single-family homes priced between $2 million and $3 million currently on the market, there are only around 14 sales pending.

Pruner said he recommends people planning to sell their homes list them earlier in 2011, while mortgage rates remain low, which could lure buyers.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Riverside Real Estate Report

44 MEYER PL, Riverside CT 06878, MLS #98485600, Weichert.com
LIGHT-FILLED 10-ROOM HOME W/VERSATILE, SPACIOUS FLOOR PLAN. INVITING LIV. RM. W/ FRPL; FORMAL DINING; SUNDECK OFF KITCHEN FAM. RM. LEADS TO TERRACE & FENCED...
www.weichert.com/35294259/

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Riverside Real Estate Report

Riverside, CT 06878 (MLS# 78066) - Coldwell Banker Residential ...
Learn more about Riverside, CT 06878 (MLS# 78066) and other real estate for sale on ColdwellBankerMoves.com - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.
www.coldwellbankermoves.com/.../propertydetails.aspx?...

The Dish: Judge Judy one tough cookie; Giffords step out on the Avenue

This Just In To The Riverside Roundup Newsroom ......
Riverside News - December 19, 2010
Greenwich resident Judge Judy Sheindlin. Out there A Greenwich's own Judge Judy Sheindlin was ranked No.
Please send your comments, news tips and press releases to RiversideRoundup@gmail.com

Friday, December 17, 2010

The Raw Riverside Blog Feed

Blog Posts About Riverside, CT
Homes Made Famous in Favorite Holiday Movies | Zillow Blog - Real ...
By Lauren Riefflin
While the movie received mixed reviews, the star-packed, romantic comedy, "The Family Stone," was set in a gorgeous house in Riverside, CT (pictured above). In the movie, the 1860 colonial is the home and place of gathering for the ...
Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market... - http://www.zillow.com/blog

Please send your comments, news tips and press releases to RiversideRoundup@gmail.com

Temple Sholom Weekly E-Bulletin


Temple Sholom E-Bulletin
December 17, 2010
Temple Sholom Sancuary

This Week 2

Saturday, December 18

Teen Choir, Rak Shabbat, YCFS Services

Monday, December 20

Nursery School Winter Vacation Begins

Friday, December 24

The Temple is closed

Find us on Facebook
Candle Lighting
Friday, Dec. 17
4:09 pm

Temple Sholom's
Worship Schedule
Friday, Dec. 17
6:30 - 7:15 pm

Saturday, Dec. 18
9:30 am - 12:00 pm

Sunday, Dec. 19
8:30 - 9:15 am
Temple Sholom
Simcha Corner

jewish star image

Mazel Tov to:

Howard & Betty Ochs, on the B'not Mitzvah of their daughters, Danielle & Rachel.

Moti Bashan & Michele Levy, on the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Kelly.

Michael & Ellen Wolfson, on the naming of their granddaughter, Jessica Abrams Schimmel. Parents are Joshua & Jennifer Schimmel.

Jeff Katz, for being accepted to Brandeis University early decision.

Evelyn Sutin, on the celebration of her birthday.


Upcoming Adult Education

at Temple Sholom

Refresh * Renew * Release

with Reb. Allison
Friday, January 7th, 9:30 - 10:30 am

Jewish Text Exploration

with Rabbi Mitch

Tuesdays, January 11th - February 8th, 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Martin Luther King & The Jews

Lunch 'n Learn with Rabbi Mitch Wednesday, January 12th, 12:00 - 1:00pm

Hebrew School for Adults

with Cantor Asa

Wednesdays, January 12th - February 9th, 7:00 - 8:30pm

Advanced Beginner Hebrew

with Reb Allison

Thursdays, January 13th - February 10th,

9:30 - 11:00 am

Parenting Discussion

with Rabbi Shira Leibowitz

Friday, January 14th, 9:30 - 10:30 am

Anti-Zionism is Anti Semitism

Lunch 'n Learn with Rabbi Mitch Wednesday, January 19th, 12:00 - 1:00pm

American Jews & Israel: The Beinart Controversy

Israel Study group facilitated

by Gaviel Rosenfeld

Sunday, January 23rd, 9:15 - 10:30 am

Addressing Racism in German Today Lunch 'n Learn presented by AJC with Eugene Dubow and Don Snyder Wednesday, January. 26th, 12:00 - 1:00 pm

All programs are no fee. To register or for more information, contact Alice Schoen at 203-542-7165 or at alice.schoen@templesholom.com.


Rabbi Mitch's

Weekly Teaching


We just had the wonderful joy of hosting the Israeli Soldier Music Ensemble at the Temple as part of our Israel initiative for education and advocacy.

Now, preparing to leave on our congregational mission to Israel, and thinking about these incredible brave young Jews who defend the Jewish State, I was mindful of a story about Dvir Aminolav....


Click here to see the full version of this Teaching by Rabbi Mitch.

shabbat_artCongregational Shabbat Kiddish

Saturday, December 18th

Join our Teen Choir for Saturday morning services as we bless our group heading to Israel. Services will be followed by a congregational kiddish with families from the YCFS and Rak Shabbat services.

women's spirituality

Refresh * Renew * Release

Friday, January 7th, 9:30 - 10:30 am

Wear comfortable clothes, bring a bottle of water and join Reb Allison in the sanctuary to explore and nurture your spirit.

For more information, contact Alice Schoen at 203-542-7165 or at alice.schoen@templesholom.com


Sisterhood's Mahjongg for the Masses

Monday, January 10th, and the 2nd Monday of EVERY month at 7:00 pm.

RSVP required to Phyllis Shapiro at 203-637-7809 or wigini@gmail.com


Broadway ConcertAn Interfaith Broadway Concert
Sponsored by Jewels by Viggi

Saturday, January 22nd, 7:30 pm
Come hear an eclectic group of talented singers from local churches and synagogues sing some of your favorite Broadway Show Tunes. This concert is part of The Sholom Center programming.

Concert is free of charge, but please consider becoming a patron. All proceeds will go the Sholom Center and support interfaith programming. For more information, contact Alice Schoen at 203-542-7165 or at alice.schoen@templesholom.com


ice skatingFamily Ice Skating (2nd -12th grades)
Sunday, January 23rd, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Bring your family and friends to the Dorothy Hamill Rink for a fun afternoon of ice skating. Cost of $10 per skater includes skate rental, skating, snacks, and private room!

To rsvp or more information, contact Josh Altman at 203-542-7163 or at josh.altman@templesholom.com


Save the Date

Do You Go To Florida For The Winter

Friday & Saturday, February 18th & 19th
Join Rabbi Mitch at Temple Emanu-El of Palm Beach for a musical Friday night service at 6:30 pm followed by dinner. Then again for Saturday morning services at 9:15 am followed by lunch.
Annual Gala

Sunday, April 10th, 6:00 pm

Join us as we honor Evelyn and Milton Sutin with the Lifetime Achievement Award, Josh Altman with the Distinctive Service Award and celebrate the Selma Maisel Nursery School's 20th Anniversary.

For more information, contact Alice Schoen at 203-542-7165 or at alice.schoen@templesholom.com


In and Around the Community...


Jewish Historical Society of Lower Fairfield County present their December Speaker Program "Eyewitness To Stalin's Soviet Regime",
Sunday, December 19th, 10:00 am at Temple Sinai, 458 Lakeside Drive, Stamford.


Temple Sholom | 300 East Putnam Avenue | Greenwich | CT | 06830

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Riverside Real Estate Report

99 Riverside Lane, Riverside CT - Trulia
Photos, maps, description for 99 Riverside Lane, Riverside CT. Search homes for sale, get school district and neighborhood info for Riverside, ...
www.trulia.com/.../3036754903-99-Riverside-Ln-Riverside-C...

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Monday, December 13, 2010

Riverside Real Estate report

24 Crescent Rd., Riverside, CT 06878 | HomeFinder.com | ID: 98485017
See photos and schedule a showing for 24 Crescent Rd., Riverside, CT 06878. This Riverside home was last updated on 12/13/10.
www.homefinder.com/CT/.../70704733d_24_Crescent_Rd

Tokyo music documentary produced by Greenwich resident

This Just In To The Riverside Roundup Newsroom ....
Riverside News - December 13, 2010
Ian Sotzing, who has done film work for a documentary on the Japanese underground music scene, sits in his Old Greenwich home, on Monday, Nov.
Please send your comments,news tips and press releases to RiversideRoundup@gmail.com

Friday, December 3, 2010

Riverside Realtor Resumes Talk Show

Russ Pruner of Shore & Country Properties in Riverside and Bill Andruss of Sotheby's International Realty in Greenwich have resumed their talk-radio show, "The Live in Greenwich Real Estate Hour," airing at 11 a.m. on Mondays on WGCH-AM 1490.

The live call-in show features real estate-related topics focused on the Greenwich market. Guests, who vary from week to week, have included architects, attorneys, builders, appraisers, inspectors and others.

Both Andruss and Pruner are real estate veterans, each with more than two decades of experience in the Greenwich market.

The show, sponored by Ivey, Barnum & O'Mara, the Greenwich law firm, may also be heard on wgch.com, by clicking the Listen Live button.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Rabbi's Weekly Teaching - Chanukah Edition

Weekly Teaching
By Rabbi Mitchell M. Hurvitz

rabbimitch@templesholom.com
Please join us for a Celebration of Light
Tomorrow, 12/2 at 6:00 pm
at Christ Church

Share in traditions with our neighbors
& enjoy some holiday cheer
December 1, 2010
Teaching by Rabbi Mitch
rabbimitch@templesholom.com


Last Spring, Temple Sholom and Christ Church created our "Sholom Center" for Interfaith Learning and Fellowship. Over the years our great and leading houses of worship have created a warm and vibrant friendship, and we've steadily increased our collaborative programming.


Now, our "Sholom Center" further deepens the wonderful relationship and expands to include other houses of worship, and mission compatible organizations.


This week our Sholom Center presents on Thursday, December 2nd, at 6 PM, a Celebration of Light. We will gather in front of Christ Church as we share together from our different faith traditions the powerful symbols of God's light within our world. I will publically light the Chanukah Menorah, and Rev. Lemler will light the Christmas Tree. All of us gathered will share in the holiday cheer, along with some warm apple cider and sacred music from our respective faith traditions.


As we celebrate Chanukah this evening, we are enjoying our own particularistic Festival of Lights. Light is a very important element in many different religious traditions and holidays. Light is a symbol of the Divine Presence within our lives, and our constant desire to cast away the darkness of gloom and despair, and replace it with the brightness of hope and renewal.


It is not coincidental that Chanukah comes in December; the darkest time of the calendar year. While nature may have diminished the sunlight within our day; we light our Hanukkah menorah as a public testimony that God's light is never diminished when we are here to pursue holiness in our lives.


2200 years ago King Antiochus tried to force his pagan religion on us. But, led by Judah the Maccabee, we revolted and defeated the overwhelming forces of Antiochus' Syrian armies. The importance to Western Civilization of our Jewish victory can't be underrated. If we had lost and subsequently been assimilated to the surrounding pagan Greek culture, there would be today no Judaism, Christianity, or Islam. Our defeat would have stymied the entire ethical evolution of the Western World.


When we light our Chanukah menorah, we recall that when the Maccabean army got to Jerusalem, they found that the Syrians had desecrated our Temple. The Temple's "eternally lit" Menorah; the seven branch lamp-stand that was a main feature of the Temple; had been extinguished and needed to be rekindled.


According to rabbinic legend there was only enough oil to keep the Menorah lit for one day, but a miracle happened, and it stayed lit for eight days until there was the opportunity to get more oil.


It is important to recall that approximately 250 years after the Maccabbean rededication of the Temple; it was subsequently destroyed completely by the Romans. Eventually, after this cataclysmic destruction the Jews rose in revolt against Rome, led by Bar Kokhba. Unfortunately, this revolt was crushed, and there was a huge and horrible slaughter of the Jews. After the crushing militaristic defeat, the rabbis pursued more pacifist means to resist Rome, and wanting to avoid Chanukah's emphasis on the Maccabbees military victory, chose to stress the "miracle" of Chanukah; that God saves the spirit of our People; no matter the circumstances.


We publically light our Chanukah lights,originally with oil, but in the Middle Ages we began to use candles like our Christian neighbors. When we kindle the "lights" we are marking the light of God's Presence.


There are three main Jewish concepts on "light":

1) The light of day.

2) Light, as a manifestation of God's presence.

3) God's light can be shared with all human beings.


In the Book of Ecclesiastes, the blessing of wisdom is "seeing the light of God's face.... The light shines for the righteous."

In the Book of Isaiah, God tells us that the mission of our Jewish lives is to be "a light to the nations".


The traditional Priestly Blessing, recited constantly over our children: "May God cause the light of his countenance to shine upon you." The light of God's presence is our greatest of blessings. When God said at creation: "let there be light", and there was light, God saw that it was very good. What God created was both the normal light of nature, but, also the supernatural light; the light of God's presence; that is for the "good".


Our concept of light in Judaism is also present in the Christian religion. You can read of this concept in Christian Advent hymns, and also in common Christmas Carols. A common Christmas ritual tradition is to light candles around the circumference of their wreath 4 candles, one for each of the four Sundays of the Advent season. An additional white candle in then lit in the middle of the wreath. Their interpretation is that the first candle stands for the Hebrew prophets; the second Candle for their Christian prophets; the third for Mary; and the fourth candle is lit for all people. The fifth candle is lit to symbolize "God's light coming into the world."


Christmas for Christians is their particularistic celebration of God's light, and Chanukah for us is our particularistic celebration of God's light. When Christians and Jews gather together; sharing respectively our particularistic light; we enable the mitzvah of accessing universalistic light that is God's presence in our lives. The light of God shines brightest among us, when we can foster understanding, tolerance and peace, not just between are sibling religions, but among all of humanity.


Happy Chanukah!!

-Rabbi Mitch



Temple Sholom
300 E. Putnam Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830
203-869-7191

Temple Sholom | 300 East Putnam Avenue | Greenwich | CT | 06830

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Reval now complete - Waterfront properties in Riverside get increased assessments

This is the first revaluation in Connecticut's most land-rich town since the housing bubble burst, a yeoman-like task of adjusting values for 22,500 properties to reflect five years of market volatility.

"This is going to be the first time in a long time that instead of seeing the mill rate dropping we're going to see the mill rate rise," said Russell Pruner, an owner and partner of Shore & Country Properties and a past president of the Greenwich Association of Realtors.

A number of residential properties saw their assessments plummet by 20 percent, according to Greenwich Assessor Ted Gwartney, who said the average decrease was 13 percent. Assessments are 70 percent of full market value.

The neighborhoods with the sharpest drop-off were Byram and Chickahominy, Gwartney said.

At the opposite end of the spectrum were waterfront properties in Riverside, which Gwartney said was the only neighborhood to experience a slight increase in assessments.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

10/13/10 The Riverside Briefing

This Just In To The Riverside Roundup Newsroom ....
Riverside News - October 13, 2010
Ix-Weicker (New Canaan News-Review)
Rev. Kevin Wallin at St. Mary Church in Greenwich. A reception followed at Belle Haven Club in Greenwich.

Please send your comments, news tips and press releases to RiversideRoundup@gmail.com

Monday, August 2, 2010

08/02/10 Vote for Rick: Independence Caucus Quote

Rick Torres for Congress 2010

Vote RICK TORRES for CONGRESS on AUGUST 10

IMAGINE the POSSIBILITIES with a Congressman who Pledges to Stand with Us

WHAT THE INDEPENDENCE CAUCUS SAYS ABOUT RICK TORRES

“In this election the very fabric of our freedoms is under direct assault. Rick Torres is running for Congress to preserve and restore our freedoms.”

Rick has lived through socialism twice, once in Cuba and once in Bridgeport public housing. He is the only Congressional candidate who understands tyranny, how it erodes a society, and hijacks our liberties. Rick is a man of principle who will fight against the current trend toward a socialist United States government and act independently of any political pressure.

Rick Torres is the man we must send to Congress from the 4th Congressional District. His background, his principles, his knowledge of our Constitution, his determination to preserve our liberties, and his impressive list of endorsements are all reasons to support Rick. But there is more. He intends to be a citizen legislator, one of us. He will not do anything to allow himself to become one of the political elite. No other candidate has made that pledge.

RICK'S ENDORSEMENTS

A FEW OF RICK'S VIDEOS

Riverside Bloggers