GREENWICH POLICE & FIRE
Suspicious Van on Sound Beach Ave
Earlier this week, Officers responded to a report of a suspicious incident involving a white van. It was reported that a girl walking near Sound Beach Avenue was asked her to get into a white van operated by two males. An unknown person reportedly scared off the van. No physical contact was made with anyone. Later in the week, detectives from The Greenwich Police Department were able to locate and interview the operator of the van. The operator told detectives that he had needed to drive in a way that appeared erratic in order to avoid striking another vehicle in the roadway near Sound Beach Ave. The Detectives did locate a witness who reported hearing tires screeching at the time this incident reportedly occurred. Neither the operator of the vehicle nor his passenger saw anyone one the sidewalk or spoke with anyone at that time. No evidence of a crime can be substantiated.
Stranger Danger Reminders
With the start of school next week, the Greenwich Police Department would like to take this time to remind parents to speak with their children about situational awareness and how to be prepared to handle an incident with a stranger:
- There is safety in numbers. Advise your child to walk to and from school or the playground with a buddy.
- If your child feels that they are being followed and they have a cell phone, they should never hesitate to call 911.
- Never talk to a stranger. Strangers with bad intentions try to trick kids into helping them. Kids should never talk to or answer their questions. If they do answer, it should be something along the lines of “go ask an adult”.
- Teach your child to think on their feet. They need to keep distance from strangers and not let someone get close enough that they could grab or touch them.
- Advise them to run or walk quickly towards an area where they see people, such as a shopping center, a home with someone outside, a busy roadway, or a park where they see people. They should never walk into an alley or location to hide that further isolates them.
- Know your child’s walking/riding path to and from school. Determine a path together that is visible, even if it’s a slightly longer route home.
- Your child should go directly to their destination. Pay attention to where they are going. Talking or texting on your cell phone is a good way to pass the time while you’re walking, but it can distract you from noticing what’s going on around you.
- Be aware of surroundings – who is behind you and in front of you. Are there occupied cars parked along your route?
- If someone approaches you or tries to get your attention, get away immediately. Cross the street or walk the other way.
Firefighters Promote 2 and Add 6
Earlier this week, Fred Camillo swore in two members of Greenwich Firefighters who were promoted to the rank of lieutenant. The department also swore in 6 new probationary firefighters who will be starting the CT Fire Academy next month. The new recruits are three current town volunteer firefighters Leighton White, Nicholas Cesarini, and Brian Kelly; Kevin Proe from Watertown; Patrick Sexton of Ridgefield; and Brian Mahany of New York City. The two firefighters promoted to lieutenant are Dustin Holt, a 14-year veteran and Daniel Byrne, a 11-year department veteran.
GPD – Motor Driven Cycles
Connecticut law defines “Motor Driven Cycles” as motor scooters, mopeds, or motorbikes with an engine size of less than 50cc and a seat height of at least 26 inches. Connecticut law requires the operator of a “Motor Driven Cycle” to have a valid driver’s license, and to not drive on a sidewalk, limited access highway, or turnpike. Operators and passengers under 18 are required to wear motorcycle helmets. All Operators must wear eye protection unless the motor-driven cycle is equipped with a windscreen or windshield.
AROUND TOWN
Time to Say Goodbye to EGCC
Demolition of the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center! According to our Building Construction and Maintenance Division, demolition is anticipated to begin later this month or early September.
Gratitude Grove at Montgomery Pinetum
The Greenwich Tree Conservancy has announced their planting of the Gratitude Grove at Montgomery Pinetum. A plaque has been installed which reads: “GRATITUDE GROVE in honor of frontline workers and local heroes during COVID-19 Pandemic dedicated 2021”.
Pickwick Plaza Gets Sudzy
Last week, an incident involving soap in the Pickwick Fountain was reported to Greenwich Police. The incident is thought to have occurred in the overnight hours between Sunday and Monday.
Sterling Care Receives Five Star Rating
Greenwich-based Sterling Care received two five-star ratings in quality of patient care and patient satisfaction from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Local Non-Profits Provide Students with Supplies
Neighbor to Neighbor is partnering with Point72 Asset Management in order to provide new backpacks and school supplies to local students from kindergarten through high school.
Sewer Rehabilitation Work On Greenwich Avenue
The most recent part of the sewer rehabilitation project began on Greenwich Avenue last week in Work Zone 7, between Amogerone Crossway and West Putnam Avenue. Construction in Work Zone 7 will be done between 5:30am and 4pm during weekdays.
LOCAL POLITICS
Panhandling Solution on Selectmen Agenda
Earlier this week at the Selectmen meeting, a solution to panhandling in Greenwich, but specifically off of I-95, was discussed. Updates to follow.
Climate Change Resolution Ultimately Approved
Last week, the Greenwich Board of Selectmen approved a new climate change resolution after many weeks of discussion. The resolution originally started out as a proposal from student activists to declare a climate change emergency in town. Through many rounds of edits and feedback from Town Officials, the resolution transformed into a compromise between the original proposal and one submitted by resident and Board of Estimate and Taxation member Harry Fisher.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Nathaniel Witherell Director of Nursing Resigns
Last week Nathaniel Witherell Deputy Director and Director of Nursing Nadia Benson, RN submitted her resignation effective Sept. 16.
Bruce Museum Gets New CFO
Earlier this month, The Bruce Museum announced the appointment of its new CFO, Carolyn Hamrak. Hamrak joined the museum on Jul 5. Hamrak has over 30 years of experience including various fiscal management roles at The Metropolitan Opera and Botanical Garden.
52 Year Old Swimmer Drowned in Byram River
Earlier this month, a 52 year old man was found dead following a swim in the Byram River under the I-95 bridge in Port Chester. The Port Chester Police Department received a 911 call saying a man had gone underwater and not resurfaced. A massive multi-department search, including the Greenwich, Westchester County, Rye, and New Rochelle Police Departments and the US Coast Guard located the man in about 10 feet of water.
GREENWICH PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Back to School Calendar
- First Day: Thursday, Sept. 1
- Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 23 (early dismissal). Nov. 24 – 25, no school
- Holiday Recess: Dec. 23 (early dismissal). Dec. 26 – Jan. 2, no school
- Winter Recess: Feb. 13 – Feb. 17, no school. Feb. 20, no school
- Spring Recess: April 10-14, no school
- Greenwich High School Graduation: June 15 (tentative)
- Last day for students: June 23
*If more snow/storm days are needed, they will be taken from either the remaining days in June or from the spring recess in April.
Matthew Cerruto Assistant Principal at Parkway
Mr. Matthew Cerruto was appointed assistant principal at Parkway School. Mr. Cerruto replaces Mrs. Cindy Boucard.
Jenna Mazzilli Interim Assistant Principal at New Leb
Ms. Jenna Mazzilli was appointed interim assistant principal at New Lebanon School. Ms. Mazzilli replaces Ms. Lindsey Eisenstein, who has been named acting principal of New Lebanon School.
Erin Montague Interim Assistant Principal at Western Middle School
Ms. Erin Montague was appointed interim assistant principal at Western Middle Schoo. Montague replaces Mr. Kerry Gavin, who was appointed the interim principal at Cos Cob School.
Shawn Hoyt Interim High School Science Program Administrator
Mr. Shawn Hoyt was named interim high school science program administrator. Mr. Hoyt replaces Mr. John DeLuca.
Michele Iannello Program Coordinator for School Counseling
Ms. Michele Iannello was named program coordinator for school counseling, which will be effective Sept 6th. Ms. Iannello replaces Ms. Judy Nedell, who recently retired.
SPORTS
Jimmy Catalano Makes US Senior Rowing Team
Jimmy Catalano has been named to the US Senior Rowing Team. Jimmy was previously named to the U23 National Rowing Team for three years, winning a Bronze Medal at Worlds in 2021. Catalano is a graduate of Greenwich High School.
Greenwich 12U All Stars Made It to Semifinals
The Greenwich 12U All Stars went all the way to the semifinals at the 2022 Cal Ripken Major 70 World Series. The Greenwich All Stars landed Connecticut in the top 4 teams this year, but ultimately lost against West Raleigh, NC with a 2-1 score. The members of the 2022 12U Greenwich All Stars are Will Conte, Max Corbo, Julian Dyson, Lachlan Hill, Gavin Kirsch, Maddox Monterisi, Jake Natale, Jaxson Perez, Mason Stoleru, Cal Tompkins, Luke Wells and Liam Zeller.
Meghan Lynch Overall Winner at One Mile Swim
The Greenwich Point One Mile Swim took place earlier this month and was sponsored by The Greenwich Swim Committee and the YMCA. Meghan Lynch, 19, came in first place overall.
Rocky Point Club finishes atop club standings at FCSL Diving Championships
Numerous outstanding dives were executed at the 2022 Fairfield County Swim League Diving Championships recently – an ultra-competitive event that saw Rocky Point Club of Old Greenwich finish atop the club standings.
GHS football team first two days of practice
Greenwich High School’s football team took the first step toward reaching its lofty goals when it opened training camp on Monday and it hit the field running, as its athletes took part in numerous conditioning and skill-based drills. The Cardinals held practices on Monday and Tuesday at Cardinal Stadium.
U19 World Rowing Championships: women’s 8 captures world title in a record time
Showcasing their speed, stamina and savvy, athletes representing Greenwich Crew returned home from the 2022 World Rowing Under 19 Championships in Italy with fond memories and an ultra-impressive display of medals after excelling overseas.
Rocky Point Club captures ninth straight Fairfield County Swim League title
Behind a wealth of first-place finishes, impressive swims and terrific times, Rocky Point Club from Old Greenwich was once again, second to none at the swim meet hundreds of young athletes in the county look forward to all season – the Fairfield County Swim League Championships.
Connecticut Select 2024 team claims national title at American Select girls lacrosse tournament in Maryland
The Connecticut 2024 team – rising juniors – ended the Nike American Select Tournament the way it began – with a victory. And the talented team’s tournament ending triumph resulted in a well-earned championship.
Connecticut Select 2023 team captures national championship at American Select girls lacrosse tournament in Delaware
The best of the best. That’s what the Connecticut 2023 team proved they were at the Nike American Select Lacrosse Tournament recently in Delaware. Connecticut, a team comprised of high school girls players from Fairfield County, won the national championship at the American Select Lacrosse Tournament, registering a record of 5-0 at the competitive event, featuring rising seniors.
FROM HARTFORD:
Stage 3 Drought for Parts of CT
Governor Ned Lamont announced a Stage 3 drought level for New London and Windham counties. All other counties in Connecticut (including Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, and Tolland counties) will remain in Stage 2.
Gov. Lamont Signs Lead Poisoning Standards
Governor Lamont signed into law Public Act 22-49, aligning Connecticut with federal standards on childhood lead poisoning.
DEATHS
Ralph Roe, II, Alice Wirth, Bucky Creamer, Andrew Tarkington, Jr., Richard Bates, Polly Fritch, Anthony Daddino, Annette Fraad, Sebastian Turso, Kenneth Blume, Elizabeth Arcuri, Shirley Escudero, William Greene, Jack Morris, Scott Harrington, Dr. Gerald Mack, Donald McKenzie, Susan Pratt, Lydia Crowl, Elizabeth Blair, Timothy Hone, Geraldine Hemstead, Nancy Landon, Jane Gribbin, Joseph Rocco, Jr., Peter Neckles. Full obituaries can be found on pages 8-10.
