Witherell Receives 1 Star Rating Amid Deficiencies
Greenwich’s town-owned nursing home, the Nathaniel Witherell, was recently cited for sixteen deficiencies by a State Dept of Health inspection according to a recent update on Medicare.gov. As a result of the deficiencies, the facility’s overall rating is now at one star. The rating is based on 3 sources: Health Inspections, Staffing, and Quality Measures. The Nathaniel Witherell’s Health Inspection rating was 1 star; however for both Staffing and Quality Measures, the facility earned 4 stars.
Greenwich Public Works Reminds Residents of Car Safety During Summer Months
During heat waves it’s important to remember that children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses are especially vulnerable to heat exposure. Never leave anyone (or pets) alone in a locked car with the windows up. If you see a pet or child trapped in a hot car, you will not be held liable for any damages to the vehicle that result from the forced entry.
Outdoor Dining Survey
In 2020, P&Z changed its outdoor dining policies to support restaurants while minimizing the spread of the virus. This was done in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Orders, CT House Bill #5271, and the Outdoor Dining 2022 Board of Selectman Guidelines. Some people have loved the new outdoor spaces and others have not. Greenwich P&Z’s goal is to rewrite the Town’s zoning regulations to meet the needs and wants of residents while continuing to protect public health and safety. Take the survey to express your opinions at www.greenwichct.gov/dining22
Cooling Centers
Several cooling facilities are open and will continue to be available through Monday, August 8. The libraries, the Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center, Town Hall and the Greenwich Public Safety Complex are available to any resident who needs a shelter from the heat this weekend.
Greenwich Library, 101 W. Putnam Ave:
9am – 5pm: Friday & Saturday
1pm – 5pm: Sunday
Perrot Memorial Library, 90 Sound Beach Ave., Old Greenwich:
9am – 6pm: Friday
9am – 5pm: Saturday
Byram Shubert Library, 21 Mead Ave.:
9am – 5pm: Friday and Saturday
Cos Cob Library, 5 Sinawoy Road, Cos Cob:
9am – 5pm: Friday and Saturday
Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center, 449 Pemberwick Road.
9am – 9pm: Friday
9am – 7:30pm: Saturday
9am – 5:30pm: Sunday
Greenwich Public Safety Complex, 11 Bruce Place:
9am – 11pm: Daily
Town Hall, 101 Field Point Road:
8am – 4pm: Friday
Primary Information
On August 9th there will be a Democratic Primary and a Republican Primary. Only registered Democrats and registered Republicans may vote in their respective primaries. Polling places will be open from 6am to 8pm. Some voters state assembly districts have changed as a result of redistricting which occurs every 10 years.
For the primary elections only, four polling places have changed.
District 3 will vote at the Hamilton Avenue School cafeteria.
Districts 7 and 7A will vote at Greenwich Library lower level.
District 8 will vote at the Cos Cob School gym.
Districts 11 and 11A will vote at the Parkway School cafeteria.
Coach of the Year Award
Earlier this month, Coach Erin Martschenko won the Connecticut Rugby Board 2022 coach of the year award for girls rugby.
Interim Principal at Cos Cob School Appointed
Earlier this month, Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent announced the appointment of Kerry Gavin as interim principal at Cos Cob School, effective immediately. Gavin replaces Gene Schmidt, who recently retired.
Interim Principal at Hamilton Avenue School Appointed
Earlier this month GPS Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones announced the appointment of Diane Chiappetta Fox as interim principal of Hamilton Avenue School, effective immediately. Fox replaces Shanta Smith, who recently left the GPS system.
Historical Society Honors Financier Chuck Royce with Preservation Award
Greenwich resident, and President and CIO of Royce & Associates is being granted the Greenwich Historical Society’s David Ogilvy Preservation Award for dedication to historic preservation and revitalization. He will be given the award at the Historical Society’s Annual Meeting to be held at the Riverside Yacht Club on September 14th. The award will be presented by Peter Malkin, who will interview Royce about his remarkable record in preservation regionally and throughout the country.
Greenwich Hospital Earns 5 Star Honors
For a second consecutive year, Greenwich Hospital has earned a five-star hospital quality rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The 5 star rating is the highest honor awarded by the federal organization. The CMS ratings provide a simple way to compare hospitals’ quality and performance. The ratings are based on more than 40 quality measurements in five categories: mortality, safety of care, readmissions after treatment of common conditions, patient experience, and timely and effective care.
West Nile Virus Mosquitos
The State of Connecticut Mosquito Management Program announced earlier this month that mosquitoes trapped near the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). These are the first positive mosquitoes identified by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) in Greenwich this year. The mosquitoes trapped (Culex pipiens) are generally bird and mammal biting which breed in standing water often found in artificial containers like discarded tires, birdbaths and catch basins. The Town of Greenwich is conducting a preemptive larviciding program, including the treatment of public and private roadway catch basins, public school ground catch basins and other property owned and operated by the Town as needed.
Greenwich Public Schools Chief Operating Officer Appointed
Earlier this week GPS Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones announced the appointment of Blaize Levitan as chief operating officer, effective August 29. Levitan replaces Sean O’Keefe. Levitan will serve as the District’s leader in finance and facilities, sharing responsibility with the deputy superintendent, overseeing food services, transportation, school residency, and school safety and security.
Person Fatally Injured Near Cos Cob Station
On Wednesday afternoon, a train struck and killed a person near the Cos Cob station, according to a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Police have since concluded their investigation.
Lieutenant Governor Promotes Cost-Free Museum Admission
Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz paid a visit to the Greenwich Historical Society on Monday, promoting Connecticut’s Summer at the Museum program. The program allows Connecticut children 18 and under (alongside an accompanying adult) to receive free admission to any museum participating in the program until September 5th.
Champion Gymnast Champions Youth Education
Laurie Hernandez, a champion gymnast who has excelled in the Olympics and other worldwide competitions, visited Greenwich on Tuesday to champion the cause of education for children. She traveled to Camp Simmons under KPMG’s Community Impact Day and Family For Literacy program. Hernandez is the program’s ambassador for learning and literacy. KPMG volunteered in communities across the country in celebration of its 125th anniversary.
Stamford Resident Wins Connecticut Lottery for $10,000
After purchasing a scratch-off lottery ticket at a gas station on 1324 E. Putnam Ave., Old Greenwich, Stamford resident Richard Piacitelli scored the top prize. The scratch-off cost just $10, but won Piacitelli $10,000. The scratch-off ticket belonged to the 10X Cash 16th Edition game.
Greenwich Seeks to Opt Out of State Zoning Policy
Greenwich is currently seeking to opt out of a state policy to establish default provisions allowing single-family homeowners to build or convert structures on their property into accessory dwelling units. Officials cite a desire to maintain control over local zoning as a reason to withdraw from the policy. The head of Greenwich’s planning and zoning, Katie DeLuca, went before the Board of Selectmen to request a vote to proceed with the withdrawal on Thursday. In order to proceed with an opt-out, Connecticut Municipalities need to acquire a two-thirds supermajority from their legislative bodies. DeLuca stated that the item is set to be voted upon by the Representative Town Meeting in September.
Greenwich Wine & Food Announces 10 Year Anniversary Party
Greenwich Wine & Food has announced that it will be hosting a 10 year anniversary celebration in October. The event, stretching across multiple days, will play host to two completely re-imagined flagship events, festivities bringing memories of the most memorable events from the past decade to life. Two national non-profit organizations with roots in Connecticut, the Jacques Pépin Foundation and Wholesome Wave, will be beneficiaries to the event.
Investment Announced to Protect CT Waters From Sewage Pollution
Earlier this week, Gov. Ned Lamont announced that CT is making a $580 million investment in construction-ready municipal water pollution control projects in order to protect the state’s waters from sewage pollution and help improve water quality.
Board of Selectmen Set to Review Competing Climate Change Proposals
First Selectman Fred Camillo has promised to take action on a climate change resolution at the next meeting of the Board of Selectmen. However, there are two rival resolutions that will be reviewed, only one of which will be chosen. The first draft was designed and submitted by teenage members of the Greenwich Environmental Advocacy Group. The group initiated the effort for local action to combat climate change. The second draft was submitted by Harry Fisher, a new member of the Board of Estimate & Taxation, which Fisher says he was the sole author of. Critics have stated that Fisher’s proposal is less aggressive, while the GEAG’s proposal calls for strong action.
Connecticut Expands Maternal Coverage
Late last month, Gov. Ned Lamont announced that the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved the request to extend Medicaid (also known as HUSKY in CT) and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage for 12 months after pregnancy. Previously, Medicaid/HUSKY only covered two months of postpartum coverage.
P&Z Approved Greek Restaurant for Greenwich Ave
Earlier this week Planning & Zoning voted unanimously 5-0 to approve an application for the Greek Restaurant Kyma Greenwich which will house over 200 seats, and a bakery and retail space.
Greenwich Preservation Trust to Recognize St. Roch Church
The Greenwich Preservation Trust will be recognizing St. Roch’s Church for its beautiful stonework and its historic place in the community in celebration of its 100th anniversary. The Greenwich Preservation Trust award will be given at the 9am Mass on August 14th.
Extension of Greenwich Avenue Construction Work
Further construction work on Greenwich Avenue began this week, refurbishing areas between Lewis Street and Amogerone Crossway. This construction zone spans from 86 Greenwich Avenue to 120 Greenwich Avenue. The efforts constitute phase six of a multipart project, which continues to crawl its way up Greenwich Avenue.
State Expected to Grant $500,000 for Firehouse Renovation
The state is prepared to grant the Round Hill Volunteer Fire Company $500,000 to renovate their firehouse in backcountry Greenwich. It is expected that the State Bond commission will approve the funds for the project when it meets on Friday, according to State Representative Stephen Meskers. The fire company’s president, David Chass, said that the fund would be vitally necessary for the continued use of the 65 year old station.
New Elementary & Middle School Special Education Coordinator for GPS
Dr. Toni Jones, the Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent, announced on Thursday that she would be appointing Theresa Fox as the special education program coordinator for elementary and middle schools. The appointment is effective immediately. Fox replaces Carrie Borcherding.
Greenwich Academy graduate Taylor Lane excelled in her first season on Yale’s lacrosse team, earning All-Ivy accolades
Earning a starting spot as a freshman, Taylor Lane began her career on the Yale University women’s lacrosse team with a one goal, one assist effort in a season-opening win against Sacred Heart University on Feb. 19, a performance that was a prelude of things to come from the 2020 Greenwich Academy graduate.
Greenwich resident, Brunswick graduate Trystan Sarcone successful on the mound for Dartmouth College baseball team
Dartmouth College’s baseball team produced a highly successful season this past spring and Trystan Sarcone, a Greenwich resident, certainly pitched in to the team’s cause. A 2018 Brunswick School graduate, Sarcone, a left-hander, found his niche on the mound for Dartmouth, posting a record of 6-4 with 49 strikeouts in 59 innings. The hard-throwing Sarcone led Dartmouth’s pitching staff in strikeouts, victories, won-loss percentage (.600), earned run average (4.85) and opposing batting average.
