POLICE & FIRE
Shane Geary Promoted to Sergeant
The Greenwich Police Department congratulates Shane Geary on his promotion to Sergeant. Sgt. Geary has been with the department since 2014 and has served in various roles, including Master Police Officer, and is a member of the dive team, emergency services unit, crisis negotiations unit, drone unit, honor guard, and field training officer. The role of sergeant is important as they are responsible for ensuring that the department’s mission and goals are carried out at the field level, explaining new policies to officers, and translating big-picture goals into daily tasks.
GFD New Assistant Chief of Administration
Justin McCarthy was sworn in this past Wednesday as the new Greenwich Fire Department assistant chief of administration. Justin has had a robust career, previously working with the New Haven Fire Department.
Greenwich Fire Dept Partners with Zac Foundation
The Greenwich Fire Department is partnering with the Zac Foundation water safety camp, a collaboration with the Girls and Boys Club of Greenwich. Assistant Chief Lubowicki gave opening remarks, and fire personnel will participate in the program. The Zac Foundation was created in memory of six-year-old Zachary Archer Cohn and educates children and their families about water safety through a variety of programs and initiatives.
Greenwich Police Clarify Nextdoor Post about Stamford Mail Carrier
A post on Nextdoor claimed there had been an armed robbery of a US Postal Service mail carrier in Stamford, but Greenwich Police Captain Mark Zuccerella clarified that there was no robbery of a US Postal Service mail carrier in Stamford over the weekend, but there was an incident on Friday involving a USPS mail carrier and an area resident involving an Airsoft gun. The Stamford case appears to be an isolated incident and not related to the area-wide problem of mail theft. Mail theft continues to be a problem in the area, and police advise residents to use online banking or drop off mail inside the Post Office or hand it to the mail carrier, and monitor their accounts daily to catch any suspicious activity. Residents should also contact GPD at 203-622-8004 (24hrs) if they see suspicious activity near their, or a neighbor’s, mailbox or a USPS Blue Bin.
FROM TOWN HALL
Greenwich Proclaims Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Greenwich hosted The Rowan Center’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month proclamation ceremony, along with local organizations like the YWCA Greenwich. The event was attended by Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, representatives from neighboring municipalities, and town officials. The proclamation declared April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Town. The statistics about sexual assault across the country are concerning, and the community needs to work together to prevent sexual violence and build equity and respect.
AROUND TOWN
Connecticut Launches ‘Lights Out’ Program
The Connecticut Ornithological Association has initiated the ‘Lights Out’ program to aid migratory birds that can be harmed by light pollution during peak migration seasons. Birds become disoriented and exhausted by artificial light emitted by buildings, street lights, bridges, and other structures, causing them to crash into windows or land in dangerous locations. The ‘Lights Out’ initiative seeks to reduce the risks to migratory birds by asking people to turn off unnecessary lighting from 11 pm to 6 am during the two peak migration periods (April 1 to May 31 and September 1 to November 15).
Allbirds to Open on Greenwich Avenue
Allbirds, a sustainable shoe and apparel brand, is set to open its first store in Greenwich in May. The company is a certified B Corp, and aims to create the most sustainable products possible by using premium natural materials. The new store will be located on Greenwich Avenue, and the company hopes it will “amplify” the Allbirds experience for existing customers. Allbirds already has a strong presence in New York, with over 50 stores across the US.
Selectmen Approve Removal of Parking Permit Program in Zone 6
The Board of Selectmen in Greenwich, Connecticut recently considered two proposals related to on-street parking in multi-family neighborhoods. The first proposal suggested removing parking spaces for seven cars along Bruce Park Avenue due to safety concerns, but the Selectmen were reluctant to approve it. The second proposal, which was approved, involved rescinding the Residential Parking Permit Program in Zone 6 on the block of Evaristo from Artic to Charles Street, due to concerns raised by residents who did not live on Josephine Evaristo Ave.
Proposed Cos Cob craft school facing questions over parking
A proposed craft school and play space for children in Cos Cob is facing questions over adequate parking. Make-Modern is looking to offer arts and crafts instruction, birthday parties, and events for adults at 216 East Putnam Ave. However, the Planning & Zoning Commission has raised concerns about whether the business will meet parking requirements, especially when adults come, and where they will park. The commission was informed that much of the parking at the site was owned by the state Department of Transportation, so it requested more information on how the students would access the business and whether the state would have any objections. The issue will be discussed at a future meeting.
P&Z approves demolition of Garden Catering
The Planning & Zoning Commission has approved a proposal to demolish the Garden Catering site on Hamilton Avenue and build a 10-unit residential building in its place. The new structure will have three affordable housing units under the state’s 8-30g regulations. The developers, 177 Hamilton Ave. LLC and Pecora Brothers construction and development company, had previously discussed a plan that included a retail and commercial component but discarded it in favor of an all-residential proposal. The structure will be four stories tall and have 11 parking spaces.
Byram’s Dorothy Hamill Ice Rink Replacement in Progress
The Town is making progress in replacing the Dorothy Hamill Ice Rink in Byram, but most details are still being settled, and skaters are still years away from using the new rink. The design and cost are undecided, and the total project cost remains unclear. The Rink User Committee has recommended building a new entrance, but the final site plan is not set, and $950,000 has only been approved for architecture and engineering work subject to approval from relevant town boards and commissions. The Representative Town Meeting may reduce the budget in May, and the rink committee is currently estimating a cost of $11 million, while the Department of Public Works estimates it at $21 million.
Greenwich Uses of American Rescue Plan Funding
Greenwich received $31.39 million from the American Rescue Plan and has used the money for improvements around the town, including environmental remediation, stormwater and sewer improvements, and HVAC improvements in schools. The money has also been used to lessen the negative economic impact on nonprofits and residents, provide affordable housing, and cover administrative expenses. The town opted to spend about $8 million of its allotment on schools, mostly for HVAC equipment repair and replacement. Greenwich has until the end of 2024 to obligate all the ARP funds, and projects need to be completed by the end of 2026 or the town will have to return the money to the federal government. As of the end of January, the town had about $18.3 million of its ARP money left.
Affordable Housing Fund offers loans for smaller proposals
Greenwich’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, established in 2021, is offering small loans to developers who make their proposals smaller or change the number of discounted units to influence the design of new developments outside of the Planning and Zoning process. The trust fund’s aim is to build “assisted housing” projects in town under Connecticut’s 8-30g law, which would allow developers to charge higher rents under the law while still counting towards Greenwich’s 10% affordable housing goal. The housing trust has already approved loans for two projects, with the board considering several more projects. However, critics have called the approach questionable, as it allows developers to build fewer affordable units.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
370 Easter Baskets Donated
Supporters donated 370 Easter baskets to Kids in Crisis and The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County. This year was incredibly successful thanks to Gill Ingraham, Diane Warzoha, and Guinevere Freccia at Freccia Brothers.
Greenwich Girl Scouts Seek Partnership for Sustainable Gold Award Project
Ten high school Girl Scouts from Greenwich are seeking to complete a sustainable project to earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout can earn. Their project must address a root cause of an issue they feel passionate about, have a national and/or global link, demonstrate leadership, and create sustainable and measurable impact. They are looking for agencies or nonprofits to host their project. Their strengths are empathy, public speaking, and research. Interested parties can contact the Co-Managers of the Greenwich Girl Scout Service Unit at gsofgreenwich@gmail.com.
Abilis Accepting Nominations for Peter Bloomer Citizenship Award
Abilis, a non-profit organization providing services and support for individuals with special needs and their families, is accepting nominations for the Peter Bloomer Citizenship Award for graduating middle and high school students. The award is given to a student who shows outstanding leadership and involvement in activities that benefit people with disabilities. Nominations are due by May 15, 2023, and the award will be presented at the Abilis Annual Meeting on June 7, 2023. The award was established 36 years ago to recognize students who demonstrate a high level of sensitivity toward people with disabilities. The application can be found on the Abilis website.
Junior League of Greenwich Offers $2,000 Community Service Award
The Junior League of Greenwich is accepting applications for its Community Service Award until April 18, 2023. The $2,000 award is intended for a female high school student in grades 9-12 who demonstrates a sustained commitment to community service and exemplifies the Junior League’s mission. The applicant must live in or attend school in Greenwich and provide two written recommendations from non-family members. The 2022 award was given to Jennifer Di Capua, an 11th-grade student at Sacred Heart Greenwich, who founded an app and website to help Latinx immigrants access healthcare providers. She plans to use the award to develop educational programs for immigrants.
PopUp Bagels opens new brick-and-mortar location in Glenville
PopUp Bagels has opened a new brick-and-mortar location in Glenville, its third permanent location in Connecticut. Customers can order bagels in advance by the dozen only, for pick up at specified times on Fridays through Sundays. PopUp Bagels recently closed a second round of seed funding, allowing for expansion. The company has collaborated with restaurant owners including Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Danny Meyer and has won “People’s Choice Best Bagel” at the 2021 and 2022 Brooklyn Bagel Festival. A dozen bagels with two artisanal schmears are priced at $42.
Greenwich Hospital Receives Patient Safety Excellence Award
Greenwich Hospital has received the Patient Safety Excellence Award from Healthgrades, which is presented to the top 10% of hospitals nationwide. This award is given to hospitals that report zero instances of foreign objects being left behind after a procedure, as well as strong safety records on hospital falls resulting in hip fractures, collapsed lungs due to a procedure or surgery, pressure sores or bed sores acquired in the hospital, and catheter-related bloodstream infections. Greenwich Hospital also received an “A” grade as one of the safest hospitals in the nation from The Leapfrog Group last year. Only three hospitals in Connecticut received the Healthgrades patient safety award.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Greenwich High School Senior Builds Turtle Pads for Eagle Scout Project
Michael Morales, a senior at Greenwich High School, has achieved his Eagle Scout project by building and installing turtle pads in Bruce Park to relocate some of the abundant turtles from Binney Park. Michael’s project involved the Troop 35 members measuring the depth of the water in Bruce Park, constructing the pads, and fitting them with buoyant foam tubes. Turtle nesting season is between May and July, and drivers are urged to slow down and be aware of turtles crossing the road.
SCHOOLS
Four students from Greenwich Academy, Tamilore Tobun, Emma Mao, Satya Daftuar, and Abby Kesmodel, won the individual portion of the CT State Mathcounts Championship. Abby Kesmodel also finished 4th in the countdown round, which is a mental math speed round. The team beat 11 other teams and 77 individual competitors to win the titles.
Western Middle School Hosts First Annual Career Day
Western Middle School held its first annual Career Day, where visitors from various professions, ranging from emergency dispatch worker to engineer to banker, spoke to students about their work. The event aligned with the school’s AVID theme of college and career readiness, and students were able to select professions they were interested in learning about. Each student saw five presentations, with each talk lasting about 20 minutes. Visitors discussed the education, training, skills, and typical day required for their work, as well as shared life advice. After the event, students reflected and created AVID One-Pagers and wrote thank-you notes.
8 GHS Junior Innovators win awards at CT Science and Engineering Fair
Eight eighth-grade GPS Junior Innovators from Greenwich High School won awards at the Connecticut Science and Engineering Fair (CSEF). The program aims to attract young people to careers in science and engineering and develop skills essential to critical thinking. Students are encouraged to pursue independent work using proper research methods The GPS Junior Innovators program is for scientifically-curious eighth-grade students, and students from each of the three middle schools take part in a 7:00-7:45 AM science research class taught by Mr. Andrew Bramante. Winners are Hannah Dcruz (EMS): Implementation of Rhizobium Nitrogen-Fixation to Increase Overall Crop Production, and Inhibit Fusarium Wilt; Amelia Foell (CMS): Reducing Food Waste with Early, Visual Detection of Bread-Mold via BODIPY-Colorimetric Card Detection of 1-Octen-3-ol; Rachel Goldenberg (EMS): Enhancement of Sleep Cycle Circadian Rhythms via the Introduction of Ambient Sounds; Bridget Hadden (CMS): Demonstrating the Persistence of Long Island Sound Polyaromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) Contamination; Amaya Khwaja-Patel (WMS): Use of Simple, Home-Remedy Cleansers to Selectively Inhibit Harmful Bacteria on Classroom Surfaces; Sara Rahimtula (EMS): Does Our Desire for Convenient Spring Water Come at an Expense for Meaningful Microplastic Harm?; Lula Wang (EMS): Simple, Rapid Detection of Early Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) via Random-C-Peptide Biomarkers; Kate Wick (CMS): Wavelength-Specific Illumination of Hydroponic Growth Systems, for Increased Crop Production.
GHS students showcase art
Ninth and 10th-grade students from Greenwich High School’s Innovation Lab Humanities classes presented their spring exhibition of learning at the Byram Shubert Library, showcasing their original artwork and symbolic representations. The program is designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and curiosity in a rigorous academic setting that meets all of the core course requirements. Applications for fall 2023 enrollment are on rolling admissions.
2 Greenwich Students Qualify for USA Junior Math Olympiad
Two Greenwich students, sixth-grader Ethan Shi and senior Jason Zhong, qualified to compete in the USA Junior Mathematical Olympiad (USAJMO) after achieving impressive scores on the American Invitational Mathematics Exam (AIME). Only 558 students nationwide reached the qualifying thresholds for the challenging three-hour AIME exam, which consisted of 15 integer-based questions. The USAJMO is a nine-hour essay/proof examination, and top participants are invited to the Mathematical Olympiad Program (MOP) in the summer. From there, participants may be selected to represent the US at the International Mathematical Olympiad. Teachers praised both students for their mathematical abilities and creativity.
GPS musicians named All-State
Several middle and high school musicians from Greenwich Public Schools who earned placement in the Connecticut Music Educators Association Western Region Festival at Wilton High School were named All-State. Thirty students from Greenwich High School were selected for All-State Band, Chorus, Jazz Band, and Orchestra. All-State Band: Qianxue Ge, Ethan Plummer, Hannon Stern, Harrison Wolfe; All-State Chorus: Gregory Bound, Ethan Cooper, Anna Dobbins, Annabelle Edgell, Michelle Ferrone, Helen Fesko, Beatrice Healy, Maya Ito, Miyu Ito, Andy Kaplun, YeonWoo Kook, Cindy Li, Julia Macri, Christopher Messis, Joe Nagai, Sebastian Ojeda, Luke Ovsag, Madeleine Phillips, Alexander Robles, Dilailah Ruiz, Ella Ryb, Yuta Takahashi, Jacob Winston; All-State Jazz Band: Iris Araki; All-State Orchestra: Luka Dolgov, Benny Gruenbaum
JC Receives Donation from United Way for Preschool Classroom
The Julian Curtiss School in Greenwich, Connecticut has received a donation from the Greenwich United Way to furnish a new preschool classroom. The classroom, which was completed over Winter Recess, has been furnished with tables, chairs, shelving, and blocks, and is now home to 14 preschoolers. Principal McGuire expressed gratitude for the support of the United Way and stated that the donation has created a pleasant physical setting that supports healthy social-emotional goals.
Joe Kelly receives General Assembly citation for inspiring students
Joe Kelly was recently recognized with a General Assembly Citation for his hard work in teaching, mentoring, and inspiring students to reach their full potential. The citation was introduced by Senator Ryan Fazio and Representatives Hector Arzeno, Rachel Khanna, and Steve R. Meskers, and was accepted by Board Chair Joe Kelly on behalf of all teachers and educators in Greenwich.
Pfizer Executive to Give Commencement Speech at SH
Angela Hwang, the chief commercial officer and president of Pfizer’s global biopharmaceuticals business, will be the keynote speaker at Sacred Heart Greenwich’s 2023 commencement. Hwang, who has worked at Pfizer for 26 years and was listed as one of Fortune’s Top 50 Most Powerful Women for the past three years, is well-known for her involvement in developing one of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccines. She is also the parent of a 2020 Sacred Heart graduate. During her visit to the school, she joined seniors for a celebratory lunch and expressed her excitement for the upcoming commencement speech.
OGS Renovation Project Continues with A&E Designs
Despite a delay in the full renovation of the Old Greenwich School due to a denied construction proposal, the Old Greenwich building committee is still progressing with the project by completing architecture and engineering designs. The committee has hired professionals to conduct fieldwork, including assessments focused on mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, architecture design, and phase one environmental studies. The $1 million appropriated for the A&E designs will include an in-depth assessment of Americans with Disabilities Act compliance
SPORTS
GHS Boys Tennis Team to Face Staples
The Greenwich High School boys tennis team is set to play against long-time rival Staples with a 2-0 record. They achieved this by sweeping Fairfield Ludlowe with a 7-0 win, with Dylan Atkinson, David Karetsky, and Manuel Galli Specos winning their singles matches. The match against Staples will be hosted by Greenwich at 4:30 pm on Thursday.
GHS Boys Lacrosse Team Gains Momentum with 3 Straight Wins
Greenwich High School’s boys lacrosse team has won three games in a row since their season-opening loss against Pleasantville. They defeated Bronxville and Weston, and extended their winning streak by beating Stamford 19-7 on Tuesday. The team has displayed strong offensive skills and will face rival Wilton on Saturday in an important FCIAC game.
Greenwich Divers Shine at YMCA Nationals
The Greenwich YMCA Marlins Diving Club has a large group of divers competing in the championship season. Several members recently competed in the 2023 YMCA National Championships in Florida, where Alden Charette won the national championship on both the 1-meter and 3-meter springboard events in the girls 12-13-year-old age group, as well as a silver medal on the platform.
GHS Boys Tennis Team Wins 7-0 in Season Opener
The Greenwich High School boys tennis team started its 2023 season with a 7-0 victory over Brien McMahon, winning all four singles and three doubles matches in straight sets. Freshman Volodymyr Dombrovskyi won his varsity debut at No. 1 singles and sophomore Matthew Hunt won at second singles.
GA Victorious Against Westminster School in NEPSAC Matchup
Greenwich Academy defeated Westminster School 9-4 in a NEPSAC matchup on Monday. At halftime, GA was ahead by one goal and then gradually increased their lead in the second half. The team limited Westminster to just one second-half goal while running their offense effectively. Greenwich Academy’s record is now 3-0.
GA Tennis Team Dominates FAA with 2 Strong Wins
Greenwich Academy’s tennis team is a top-performing team in the FAA and has versatile athletes who excel in both singles and doubles competition. The team has had an exceptional start to the season, winning their first two matches with scores of 9-0 and 6-1 against Westminster and Rye Country Day School, respectively.
GHS Girls Tennis Team Wins Season Opener
Greenwich High School’s girls tennis team had a successful season opener, defeating Weston 7-0 in a non-conference match. The team showed strong performances in both singles and doubles competition, and senior co-captain Ivanna Diez de Bonilla expressed satisfaction with the team’s effort.
GHS Girls Lacrosse team wins 16-2 against Glastonbury
Greenwich High School girls lacrosse team defeated Glastonbury in a non-conference game with a score of 16-2. The Cardinals received six goals from junior Emma Abbazia, who scored a total of ten goals in the first two games of the season.
GHS softball team loses 6-5 to New Fairfield in extra innings
The Greenwich High School softball team almost secured its first win of the season, but lost to New Fairfield 6-5 in a non-conference game. The Cardinals, now 0-3 on the season, tied the score in the seventh inning to force extra innings, but New Fairfield scored a run in the bottom of the ninth inning to win.
GHS boys lacrosse team defeats Weston 12-8 in non-conference game
Greenwich High School’s boys lacrosse team won 12-8 in a non-conference game against Weston on Saturday. The Cardinals led 7-2 at halftime and held on for the win. The victory was their second straight and improved their record to 2-1 for the season. Sophomore Mikey Brescia scored four goals and freshman Dean Kim notched four goals, while sophomore midfielder Colin Zeller had two goals and three assists.
Brunswick loses to Darien 12-11 in anticipated lacrosse matchup
Brunswick School lost a close game against Darien, 12-11, in a highly anticipated lacrosse matchup. Although Brunswick rallied in the second half to take the lead on several occasions, a late goal by Darien’s Brady Pokorny with 1.7 seconds left sealed the victory for the Blue Wave. Brunswick was ranked number one in the Nike/USA Lacrosse Magazine Top 25 High School National rankings while Darien was ranked number 11.
GHS Boys Lacrosse Wins Triple OT Thriller Over Bronxville
Greenwich High School’s boys lacrosse team earned their first win of the season in a non-conference game against Bronxville, in triple overtime, with a final score of 8-7. Sophomore Colin Zeller, a midfielder, scored the game-winning goal, assisted by Mikey Brescia, a sophomore attack.
GHS baseball team seeks win against FCIAC rival
Greenwich High School’s baseball team has started their season with two shutout losses against Notre Dame-West Haven and Staples. Despite the disappointing start, the team is looking to turn things around and earn their first win of the season against Stamford High School on Saturday. Coach Adrian Arango emphasized the need to score runs and continue working hard.
GHS Softball Loses 7-2 to Westhill in FCIAC Match
Greenwich High School softball team lost to Westhill 7-2 in an FCIAC matchup on Tuesday. Greenwich trailed by one run heading into the fifth inning, but Westhill managed to score three runs in that inning to secure the win. The Cardinals’ sophomore right-hander Cameron Clark pitched a complete game, striking out seven batters and issuing three walks. This loss came after the team’s close defeat against Stratford in their season opener.
FROM HARTFORD
CT Attorney General Seizes Illegal High-THC Cannabis Products
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has seized thousands of illegal delta-8 THC and other high-THC cannabis products found for sale at three Stamford vape shops. Tong is also preparing to take legal action against the shops for alleged violations of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act. The products included untested, illegal cannabis products mimicking youth-oriented snack foods. Products that exceed 0.3% THC on a dry-weight, including delta-8 THC, are considered cannabis and may only be sold in the regulated market. The sale of illegal delta-8 cannabis products and other high-THC cannabis products continues in Connecticut despite the crackdown.
Connecticut to receive $73.5 million from EPA
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding Connecticut $73.5 million for drinking water infrastructure upgrades through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), which is part of President Biden’s $6 billion investment to rebuild the nation’s water infrastructure. The investment will be used to improve access to clean and safe drinking water, mitigate pollution, and remove lead service pipes, among other improvements.
