Key Takeaways
- NBA star Carmelo Anthony was spotted dining at Tony’s at the J House in Scarsdale.
- The National Association of Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive will run on Saturday, May 9, collecting non‑perishable donations for local food pantries nationwide.
- The 32nd Annual Celebrity Breakfast supporting the Thomas Merton Family Center takes place May 13 at Sacred Heart University, featuring former NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck as guest speaker.
- Greenwich Historical Society hosts a Mother’s‑Day Pop‑Up Shop May 5 and a Spring Fete luncheon May 13 with designer Tom Scheerer.
- Cultural events include the America 250 Handbell Benefit Concert (May 9) and Greenwich Art + Design’s “Affordable Art Expo” opening (May 7).
- New dining spot Barnoodle opens in Riverside Commons, offering Asian‑fusion fare.
- Community fundraising continues with the Greenwich Oldtimers 2026 Charity Golf Tournament (May 18) and a wine‑and‑cheese reception at Stone Bridge Wine & Spirits (May 6).
Carmelo Anthony, the NBA All‑star and Scarsdale resident, was seen enjoying a night out at Tony’s at the J House last Saturday. His presence added a celebrity sparkle to the local dining scene, though no further details about his visit were reported. In the same weekend, the National Association of Letter Carriers launched its annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. On Saturday, May 9, residents are encouraged to leave a bag of non‑perishable food items by their mailboxes; letter carriers will collect the donations and deliver them to nearby food pantries. Since its inception in 1993, the drive has become the nation’s largest one‑day food‑collection effort, helping to stock shelves in food banks across the United States.
Mid‑month brings two high‑profile gatherings in Fairfield County. The 32nd Annual Celebrity Breakfast, held on Wednesday, May 13 at 7 a.m. in the Sacred Heart University Martire Family Arena, will benefit the Thomas Merton Family Center. Former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Matt Hasselbeck serves as the guest speaker, and tickets must be secured by Monday, May 4 via ccfairfield.org. Earlier that week, on Tuesday, May 5, the Greenwich Historical Society invites shoppers to a Mother’s‑Day Pop‑Up Shop at its Museum Store on Strickland Road. Featuring vendors such as Gingerbitz, Molly & Mags, Pinky of Greenwich, Pomeline Jewelry, Greenwich Botanical Art, and Francine’s Outrageous Sauces, the event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and offers a curated selection of gifts and treats.
Cultural programming continues into early May. On Saturday, May 9 at 4 p.m., the America 250 Handbell Benefit Concert—titled “Let Freedom Ring Celebrating America at 250”—will take place at the Seaside Gardens at Greenwich Point. Sponsored by the Knollwood Garden Club, the concert showcases handbell choirs from Christ Church, First Congregational Church, and First Presbyterian Church of Greenwich, with proceeds directed toward restoring the historic Seaside Gardens. A reception follows the performance; tickets and details are available at knollwoodgardenclub.org/events. The same week, Greenwich Art + Design at 7 East Putnam Avenue hosts an opening for its “Affordable Art Expo” on Thursday, May 7 at 5:30 p.m., presenting works by Marcy Axelrod, Bryn Craven, Lisa Cuscuna, Roberto Palo Del Mar, and Cameron Schmitz. RSVPs can be made by calling 203‑219‑8988 or emailing [email protected].
Community life also sees new business openings and fundraising initiatives. Barnoodle, an Asian‑fusion eatery created by Seleste Tan and Chef Mogan Anthony of La Bistro, has opened at 1247 E Putnam Avenue in the Riverside Commons shopping center. For those who enjoy a round of golf for a cause, the Greenwich Oldtimers 2026 Charity Golf Tournament is scheduled for Monday, May 18 at Fairview Country Club on King Street. The event honors Joe and Jim Branca and includes lunch, golf, a fore‑caddie, on‑course beverages, a raffle, and a terrace cocktail reception, with proceeds supporting Greenwich youth sports and college scholarships. Finally, Stone Bridge Wine & Spirits at 340 Palmer Hill Road in Riverside celebrates its recent renovation with a wine‑and‑cheese reception on Wednesday, May 6 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.; the store, owned by Peter Shah of Cos Cob Wine & Spirits, invites the public to stop by for more information at 203‑406‑7940.
As the month unfolds, Greenwich and its surrounding neighborhoods offer a blend of celebrity sightings, charitable drives, artistic showcases, and culinary novelties—reminding residents that, as Ronald Reagan once noted, “Evil is powerless if the good are unafraid.” For tips or celebrity sightings, readers can contact Susie Costaregni at [email protected].