Greenwich Answer Book
Clubs & Organizations

May 29, 2007

How can I find somewhere to volunteer?
The Volunteer Center of Southwestern Fairfield County (348-7714/ucanhelp.org) serves nonprofits in many ways, including matching potential volunteers with volunteer positions available. At ucanhelp.org, the center has a volunteer search engine. A simple click reveals volunteer opportunities available in Greenwich and within a radius of 25 miles.
Groups that specifically recruit people for volunteer work include:
Catherine’s Hope depends on volunteers to help raise money for nonprofit groups that help people or animals suffering from illness, abandonment, or abuse. Call 625-8268 or e-mail jillking54@aol.com.
The Greenwich Hospital Auxiliary supports staff and patients at Greenwich Hospital. All volunteers are interviewed and receive training. For information, call 863-2222.
Membership in the Greenwich Jaycees is open to young professionals 21 to 40 years old. The group offers professional development through community service, networking, and leadership training. For information, call 358-3134 or visit online at greenwichjaycees.org.
Volunteers on Call offers short-term local and international volunteering opportunities. For information, call 550-2222 or e-mail volunteersoncal@optonline.net.
Adopt-A-Dog welcomes volunteers of all ages to work with animals in need of good homes. For information, or to receive a copy of the Adopt-A-Dog newsletter, call 203-629-9494 or 914-273-1674, or visit online at adoptadog.org.
Adult and student volunteers are needed by the Animal Rights Alliance to offer foster homes for cats and help with daily operations. Based in Cos Cob, call Lynn Gorfinkle at 431-9111.
Call-A-Ride needs volunteer drivers for its program of offering free door-to-door transportation to senior citizens. Call Ron Klingner at 637-0116.
Greenwich Green & Clean is dedicated to the beautification of public areas around town. There are annual cleanups in May and October. Call 531-0006 or e-mail grgrenclean@aol.com.
Meals-on-Wheels relies on volunteers to help cook or deliver meals to the homebound. Call 869-1312 or visit online at mealsonwheelsofgreenwich.org.
Neighbor to Neighbor, which distributes food and clothing to needy families, welcomes volunteers. Call 622-9208.

How can I get involved in a political party?
For the Democratic Town Committee, call Jim Himes at 917-443-7255 or visit online at greenwichdemocrats.org.
For the Greenwich Republican Town Committee, call John Raben at 637-5682 or visit online at greenwichgop.com.
There are also some politically oriented clubs. The Greenwich Democratic Discussion Group meets several times a year to hear interesting speakers, who are not always political The meetings are open to all and usually occur at Town Hall. Call Alma Rutgers at 618-0323 or Elaine Suchman at 637-4121.
The Greenwich Republican Women’s Club educates women about Republican principals and works to increase the effectiveness of women in government. Call Jane Sulich at 622-7878.
The Republican Club of Cos Cob promotes the Republican party and holds an annual clambake. Call Donald Kiefer at 637-9880.
The YGOP of Greenwich is an organization of young men and women committed to the Republican Party. The group takes an active role in local, state, and national politics and offers political and social events. Call Nick Adovasio at 358-3406.
The Greenwich Republican Roundtable is an invitational organization. Call Scott Franz at 629-9889.

Is there a League of Women Voters?
Yes, the League of Women Voters of Greenwich is a non-partisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Membership is open to men and women.
In Greenwich, the league researches matters of concern to members; keeps the public informed about local, state, and national issues; lobbies government officials; encourages voter registration; and assists in the election of Residents’ Councils in Greenwich housing developments.
Publications available to league members include: People Make It Happen: A Guide to Greenwich Government; How to Make it Happen: Facts for Greenwich Voters; The RTM Directory; and How to Run for Greenwich Office. For information, call 352-4700 or visit the Web site lwvct.org/greenwich.

Are there any garden clubs?
Armstrong Court Gardeners is open to anyone interested in gardening. Meetings are usually the first Friday evening of the month. Call Jessie Ramnath at 661-1998.
The Byram Garden Club emphasizes preservation and beautification projects. Membership is open to everyone in western Greenwich. Call Edith Bonizio at 532-1846.
The Garden Club of Old Greenwich is an affiliate of Federated Garden Clubs and promotes civic beautification in Old Greenwich. Membership is by invitation. Call Alice Ell at 637-4094.
The Garden Education Center of Greenwich (869-9242/gecgreenwich.org) promotes horticulture and gardening through educational programs, outreach activities, and special events. The center maintains a greenhouse, among other facilities, at 130 Bible Street in Cos Cob. (See also Recreation and Entertainment sections.)
The Greenwich Daffodil Society sponsors the annual Connecticut Daffodil Show at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. Membership is open to anyone interested in daffodils. Call Nancy Mott at 661-6142.
The Green Fingers Garden Club is affiliated with the Garden Club of America and with Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut. Membership is by invitation. Call Debbie Hamilton at 629-3732 or e-mail djh@hamiltonadvisors.com.
The Greenwich Garden Club promotes horticulture, flower arranging, and conservation. It is affiliated with the Garden Club of America and Federated Garden Clubs. Membership is by invitation. Call Nina King at 869-8244.
Hortulus is affiliated with the Garden Club of America and Federated Garden Clubs. Membership is by invitation. Call Diane Jennings at 622-4572.
Knollwood Garden Club maintains and financially supports the Seaside Garden at Greenwich Point, provides garden therapy at Nathaniel Witherell Home, and assists children attending Audubon summer camp. Membership is by invitation. The club is affiliated with Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut and the National Council of State Garden Clubs. Call Bobbie Lang at 869-6665 or Raghnild Dewey at 661-3487.
The Riverside Garden Club welcomes new members. It is affiliated with Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut and the National Council of State Garden Clubs. Call Barbara Butler at 637-3730.
The Westchester-Fairfield Horticultural Society, which is based in Greenwich, welcomes garden enthusiasts, both amateur and professional, as members. Lectures, garden visits, and community projects take place monthly. Call Mary Jo Palmer at 661-8626 or visit online at westfairhort.org.
The Woman’s Club of Greenwich Gardeners is a branch of the Woman’s Club of Greenwich (see below). The club maintains the Putnam Cottage gardens and contributes to Green & Clean, Audubon camperships, and the Greenwich youth Conservation Project. Call Joy Noble at 661-2228.

Are there any veterans organizations?
The Greenwich Veterans Council is comprised of representatives of Greenwich veterans organizations who meet to discuss issues of importance to veterans and organize veterans observances. Call John Macri at 531-7529.
The American Legion, Greenwich Post 29, is at 248 Glenville Road. Call 531-0109.
The Byram Veterans Association, 300 Delavan Avenue, sponsors social events for members, provides firing squads for funerals, and supports youth sports teams. It organizes the (Byram) Memorial Day parade and the Veterans Day parade. Call Veterans Hall at 531-9846. The Byram Veterans Women’s Auxiliary is a group of veterans’ wives who support the Byram Vets. Call Barbara Johnson at 531-7220.
The Ninth District Veterans Association, 14 Riversville Road, is a private veterans club offering social activities and patriotic observances. Call 532-0130.
The Veterans Appreciation Council presents an annual Salute to Veterans at Havemeyer Field on the Saturday nearest July 4. Call Jim Carrier at 661-0288, e-mail jcarrier@edgewood.com or visit salutetovets.com.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) maintains Greenwich Post 1792 and Cos Cob Post 10112. For the Greenwich post, call James Clifford at 326-0773; for the Cos Cob post, call Doc Orrico at 536-5107.

What clubs promote education?
Delta Kappa Gamma promotes the professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. Members work in the field of education. The group participates in local educational service projects. Call Mary Ruth Allen at 629-2297.
The P.E.O Sisterhood promotes educational opportunities for women through scholarships and grants. Membership is by invitation. For information, call Dottie Angel at 661-4579.

Are there any women’s clubs?
The Greenwich Women’s Civic Club raises money for minority students and programs caring for seniors and the homebound. For information, call Rusty Moye at 869-5940.
Greenwich Hadassah raises money for the Hadassah Medical Center in Israel and offers social and educational activities in town. Most members, although not all, are women. For information, call Arlene Marshall at 637-8479.
The Japanese Volunteer Group encourages the wives of Japanese executives here to participate in town activities. Call Keiko Kato at 629-1892 or e-mail keikosegg@gmail.com.
The Junior League of Greenwich (869-1979/jlgreenwich.org) is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Membership is open to any young woman over 21, who lives in Greenwich or has not lived outside Greenwich for more than five years. The league office is at 231 East Putnam Avenue.
The Woman’s Club of Greenwich offers educational, civc, and social activities for its members. New members are welcome. The clubhouse, at 89 Maple Avenue, is available for rental to anyone sponsored by a club member. Call 869-2046.
Greenwich Working Moms offers social networking for full- and part-time working Greenwich mothers. There is also a monthly playgroup. Call Linda Tulloch at 212-261-7744 or e-mail GWMC1@optonline.net.

Are there any clubs for men?
The Greenwich Horseneck Club raises money for local youth charities. Membership is by invitation. Call 661-8827.
The Greenwich Old Timers Athletic Association is a social club open to any man. The club raises money for college scholarships  and youth sports programs. There are quarterly meetings. For information, call Erf Porter at 698-0352.
The Retired Men’s Association is sponsored by the YMCA. There are weekly meetings with speakers or entertainment, as well as outings, trips, and subgroups of special interests such as golf, bridge, bowling, etc. Membership is by invitation to men 55 and older from the Greenwich area. Call John deCsepel at 637-1293.
The Harpoon Club of Greenwich is dedicated to “improving the sense of humor of the town of Greenwich” with an annual “roast” dinner. Membership is by invitation. Call Ted Yudain at 322-3591.

Are there any fraternal clubs?
The Danish-American Club is a social club for people who are Danish or of Danish descent. Call Richard Jespersen at 661-6478.
The Masons, Greenwich Acadia Lodge 85, meets in Darien. Call Jim Fahy at 629-0581.
The Greenwich Hibernian Association is composed of men and women of Irish Catholic descent. Call Haydn O’Shea at 661-2963.
The Greenwich Knights of Columbus, Orinoco Council 39, 37 West Putnam Avenue, is a charitable organization of Catholic men. Call 622-1939.
The Greenwich Police Emerald Society is made up of Greenwich police officers of Irish lineage. Call Frank Kelly at 531-8384.
The Greenwich Police Social Club is open to all members of the police force. Call Chris Webster at 622-8052.
The Improved Order of Red Men, Mayn Mayano Tribe 46 is no longer associated with Native Americans only. It supports local charities. Call 862-9213.
The Pilsudski Society of Greenwich, 65 Arch Street, helps Polish people maintain social contacts and Polish traditions. Call 622-9514.
The Retired Police Officers Association is a social organization of retired Greenwich police officers. Call Dave Hughes at 531-7933.
The Saint Lawrence Society, 86 Valley Road, Cos Cob, is a religious and civic organization for Italian Catholic men and women. Call 618-9036.

Is there a Kiwanis Club?
The Kiwanis Club of Greenwich is a service club that supports the local community by sponsoring youth groups, highway cleanups, raising money to benefit children and children’s support groups, and providing scholarships. The club also sponsors Key Clubs at Greenwich High School and The Brunswick School in an effort to get high school students interested in the value of community service. The group meets on Thursdays at 12:15 at Luca’s restaurant. For information, call Peter Mutino at 249-6083 or visit online at greenwichkiwanis.org.

Is there a Lions Club?
There are three.
The Lions Club of Old Greenwich, like its international parent organization, is dedication to the prevention of blindness. The club collects used eyeglasses and hearing aids for the needy. You may drop off eyeglasss or hearing aids in specially marked boxes at the Perrot Library, recycling center, Old Greenwich and Riverside railroad stations, and Patriot National Bank on Sound Beach Avenue. Meetings are on Thursdays at noon at Luca’s restaurant. For membership information, call C. Jean Dana at 952-8560.
The Lions Club of Greenwich is also dedicated to helping the blind and visually impaired. The club supports the Low Vision Center at Greenwich Hospital and collects used eyeglasses in drop boxes at the Family Y and Greenwich Senior Center. For information, call Rick Brooks at 698-2595.
The Western Greenwich Lions Club also works to help the blind. Membership is open to all. Call Joe Filanowski at 531-8513.

Is there a Rotary Club?
Members of the Rotary Club of Greenwich volunteer their time and resources to help others in the community by supporting a long list of local organizations. Members are men and women, business and professional leaders in the community. For information, call Jeff Weber at 323-7300 or e-mail jweber@businesstalkradio.net. The club Web site is greenwichrotary.org.
The Byram-Cos Cob Rotary also supports local community service projects and sponsors the annual Greenwich Car Show. Meetings are Monday evenings at 6, at Luca’s Restaurant. Call Frank Chimblo at 422-2899.

Is there a newcomers club?
The Greenwich Newcomers & Neighbors Club is sponsored by the YWCA. There are monthly welcoming coffees, social activities, children’s programs, and monthly luncheons. There are also special interest groups. Call Robin Pastore at 249-7871, e-mail Metrofille@aol.com, or visit online at greenwichnewcomers.org.
There is also the OGRNC Newcomers’ Club that offers a morning book discussion group, bridge, craft circle, luncheons, day trips, a walking club, gourmet club, recipe exchange, singing group, tennis club, wine tasting, and more. For information, call Elaine Krikorian at 340-9148.

Are any clubs related to helping people?
The Greenwich Breast Cancer Alliance raises money for breast cancer research and promotes breast health through education. Call 861-0014 or e-mail info@breastcanceralliance.org.
The Greenwich World Hunger Association works to relieve hunger and poverty in the poorest areas of the world. Call Sarah Boyle at 661-9771.

Are there any singles clubs?
The Cotton Club is a social club for single adults of all faiths, ages 40 and up. It is at Christ Church, 245 East Putnam Avenue. The club has a variety of interest groups, participates in community service projects, and offers trips, hikes, and social events. There is a $40 membership fee. Call Barbara Reid at 202-7649.

Are there any international clubs?
Alliance Francaise de Greenwich fosters the knowledge of French culture and language, encourages friendly relations between the American and French people, and welcomes French-speaking families to the area. For information, call 629-1340 or visit online at afgreenwich.org.
The Daughters of the British Empire, Princess Marina chapter, is a philanthropic organization for women of British descent. Call Jill Beddall at 625-0136.
The English-Speaking Union is a local chapter of an international organization dedicated to promoting cultural understanding among English-speaking people of the world. Call Anne (Sunny) Brown at 869-5799.
Freunde Deutscher Sprache is also known as The German Club of Greenwich. It is open to people interested in the German language and culture. A high level of proficiency in German is required to participate in programs, but beginners are welcome. Dues are $45 for singles, $60 per family. Call Recka Mauborgne at 914-939-1314.
The International Club of Greenwich holds informal get-togethers for women of all nationalities. New members, including Americans, are welcome. The club is sponsored by the YWCA. Call Bessie del Castillo at 968-9111.
The Travel Club of Greenwich offers programs on culture, literature and art. Guests are welcome. For information, call Mary Church at 661-6172.

What sports-oriented clubs are here?
The Bruce Women’s Golf Association has weekly tournaments and is open to Greenwich women over 18. Call Dot Taylor at 531-8249.
The Cos Cob Archers maintain a range at 205 Bible Street. There are youth and adult programs. Call 625-9421.
The Cos Cob Revolver & Rifle Club offers target practice, team shooting, safety instruction, and a junior program. Call George Meschi at 938-3379.
The Greenwich Cricket Club for one. Known as the Mad Dogs, they play on weekends from May through September at Al Christiano Park. New players and spectators are welcome. Call Frank Farricker at 861-2132.
There is also the Greenwich Croquet Club, a private club that offers private lessons at Bruce Park. The club plays most weekends and there are several tournaments. For information, call William Campbell at 661-9122.
The Greenwich Lawn Bowls Club plays regularly on the lawn bowls course at Bruce Park from May through October. Membership is open to men and women of all ages. Call Marion Duke at 869-0087 or Muriel Wilson at 323-7451. The Web site is geocities.com/greenwichbowls.
The Greenwich Pigeon Club participates in pigeon racing and showing. The clubhouse is at 89 Holly Hill Lane. For information, call the clubhouse at 622-8260 or Rocky Bria at 661-6461.
The Greenwich Polo Club plays on Sundays in summer at Conyers Farm on North Street. Gates open at 1, and matches start at 3. Admission is $25 per car. For information or weather cancellations, call 661-5420. The Web site is greenwichpolo.com.
The Greenwich Women’s Golf Club plays at the Griffith Harris Memorial Golf Course. Membership is open to Greenwich women over 18. For information, call Rickie Arcade at 869-0826.
The Griff Harris Men’s Golf Club is open to adult and junior male golfers. Call Bill Hanssler at 532-0437.
The Road Hogs Athletic Club is a group of people interested in endurance sports. Visit online at roadhogs.org.
The Society for the Preservation of Organized Recreational Team Sports (SPORTS) lobbies on behalf of town athletes of all ages. Call Carl Ambrogio at 531-7630.
Trout Unlimited is involved in restoring trout habitats in the Mianus, Rippowam, and Norwalk Rivers. It also offers classes in fly tying and fly fishing, as well as talks related to fishing. Call Mike Law at 966-3364 or visit online at mianustu.org.

Are there any clubs related to boating?
The Belle Haven Club is a private beach club that offers junior sailing to sponsored non-members. Call 861-5353.
The Byram Shore Boat Club is at Byram Park. Call the clubhouse at 531-9858.
The Captain Harbor Sail & Power Squadron is dedicated to promoting boating safety and fun. Each year its volunteer members offer classes to qualify for the Connecticut Safe Boating Certificate. Visit online at captainharbor.org for information.
The Cos Cob Yacht Club is a social club for people interested in boating. Membership is by invitation. Call Walter X. Burns, Jr. at 661-5946.
The Greenwich Boat & Yacht Club is within walking distance of downtown Greenwich. Its members enjoy superb boating facilities and several social events. The Web site is gbyc.org.
The Greenwich Water Club in Cos Cob rents personal and crew team sculls, kayaks, jet skis and sport boats. There is also a pool and other amenities for members. Call 661-4033 or go online to greenwichwaterclub.com.
Indian Harbor Yacht Club is a private club; call 869-2484 or go online to indianharboryc.com.
The Mianus River Boat and Yacht Club is open to any Greenwich resident. Call 869-4689 or go online to mrbyc.com.
The Old Greenwich Yacht Club promotes family boating and sailing and membership is open to all Greenwich residents. Call 637-3074 from May through November or visit online at ogyc.org.
Riverside Yacht Club is a private club. Call 637-1706 or visit online at riversideyc.org.

 



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