Hey Greenwich! Did You Know ... Car Auction Record Was Set in Town?

Today is Monday, June 4, 2012 and it's National Cheese Day.

This day in history:

In 1754, during the Seven Years' War, a 22-year-old lieutenant colonel in the Virginia militia named George Washington begins construction of a makeshift Fort Necessity.

In 1942, the Battle of Midway—one of the most decisive U.S. victories against Japan during World War II—begins. During the four-day sea-and-air battle, the outnumbered U.S. Pacific Fleet succeeded in destroying four Japanese aircraft carriers, despite having lost one of its own.

In 1989, Chinese troops storm through Tiananmen Square in the center of Beijing, killing and arresting thousands of pro-democracy protesters.

Today's birthdays:

• Actress Angelina Jolie is 37.
• Musician Russell Brand is 37.
• Actor Noah Wylie is 41.
• Broadway singer/actor Sam Harris is 51.
• Singer/actress Michelle Phillips is 68.

Things you should know:

Car enthusiasts came out by the thousands Sunday for the final day of the , which benefitted the humanitarian relief agency AmeriCares.

In addition to millions of dollars worth of foreign motor vehicles on display by private collectors, one of the highlights of the day was the Bonhams auction of more than 80 vehicles which drew upwards of 300 people to the white tents pitched in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Attendees witnessed some lively bidding by collectors in the audience and those bidding by phone.

The highlight of the sale was a rare 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB/6C Berlinetta which had a hammer price of $1,244,500 (including the buyer's premium). According to Bonhams, "it was the Northeast’s highest auction price realized for a single motorcar."

But not all of the cars had such lofty pricetags. A 1954 Corvette sold for $45,000; a 1956 Ford Thunderbird: $14,000; an unrestored 1964 Aston Martin DB5: $110,000. (All prices are without the buyer's premium.)

A 1965 GT350 Ford Mustang couple replica didn't sell when bidding topped out at $31,000. The pre-auction estimate was $35,000 to $40,000.

Automotive aficionados didn't have to attend the show to enjoy cars. The Island Beach parking lot which was overflowing with vehicles included dozens of collectible examples, many of which were for sale.

(And if you were at the Concours, don't forget you can upload photos of your favorite cars by clicking on the link about.)

Greenwich Town Tennis Tourney Registration Begins

The Department of Parks and Recreation will begin taking registration  on June 4 for the Town Tennis Tournament to be held over a two-week span beginning July 21. The finals will be at Binney Park on Aug. 4, with a rain date of Aug. 5.   

There are divisions for men, woman, singles, doubles, mixed doubles, youths 17 and under, and youths 12 and under.

The divisions are broken up into open division 18 to 34 years, 35 and over, 45 and over, and 50 and over. Participants may register for a maximum of two events. The fee is $25.00 per event for singles players, $50 per event for doubles teams.  (The tournament is for amateur players only.)

For more information or to register, please call the tennis information line at 203-618-7613, between 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm, Monday through Thursday, or download a registration form the website www.greenwichct.org.

Meetings at Greenwich Town Hall today:

• 7:30PM RTM Land Use Committee
• 7:30PM RTM Finance Committee
• 8:00PM RTM Public Works Committee

Greenwich Community Television

If you prefer the clicker instead of being there or want to catch up on a Greenwich meeting you missed, there's Greenwich Community Television (GCTV) on either Fios Channel 24 or Cablevision's Channel 79.

And if you prefer the movies:

Sources: history.com; the nibble.com