POLICE & FIRE
Please remove your car keys at night
The Midnight Shift in Greenwich has prevented several motor vehicle thefts in recent weeks, including the arrest of a juvenile suspect from New York City who attempted to steal a vehicle in the North Mianus area. Despite state law preventing police from pursuing motor vehicle theft suspects, officers continue to detect and disrupt thefts in the area. However, many vehicles are still being stolen easily due to keys being left inside unlocked cars. The GPD urges residents to remove keys or key fobs from their vehicles, lock doors, and not leave valuables inside to prevent this crime.
GPD Hateful Flyers Unsubstantiated
Antisemitic flyers were reportedly distributed in Greenwich over the weekend, but the Greenwich Police Department has not received any complaints and cannot confirm the claim. The police and the town do not tolerate hate and investigate all reports of hate incidents. The community is urged to report any information they have about the alleged incident by calling 203-622-8004 to speak with an officer.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Plaque Dedication for Elmer Diaz Felipe
A plaque has been dedicated to 6-year-old Elmer Diaz Felipe, who passed away in 2021 after being diagnosed with an inoperable cancerous brain tumor. The plaque and a nearby tree were dedicated by the town, Greenwich Police Department, Silver Shield Association, and Jewish Family Services of Greenwich. The plaque includes Elmer’s name, dates of birth and death, and the words, “Forever remembered by all who loved him in his favorite place.” A tree, which will grow to 50 feet tall at full maturity, was planted nearby. The plaque is expected to be affixed to a rock in the coming weeks.
Greenwich Family Runs on Green Energy for Entire Year
Mohan Sundaram, a Greenwich resident, recently completed a year without burning fossil fuels to power anything in his house. His house is powered by a 30-kilowatt solar panel system and heat pumps, which run his refrigerator, television, stove, two cars, heated pool, and air conditioning, among other things. Sundaram said that it cost him approximately $40,000 after tax credits to set up the solar energy system. While it’s a major upfront cost, he previously spent $12,000 annually on energy, which is now gone. Sundaram is hoping to use his knowledge to help others go green, too.
AROUND TOWN
Live Like Luke Beach Cleanup Huge Success
On Earth Day, hundreds of volunteers gathered at Tod’s Point to collect marine debris and protect wildlife. The event honored the legacy of Luke Meyers and was organized by partners including Greenwich Green and Clean, Greenwich Shellfish Commission, Live Like Luke 365, and EAC GHS. The community turned out in force for the cleanup.
Cos Cob Park Maintenance
The playground at Cos Cob Park is currently closed and will remain closed until June due to necessary maintenance to replace the safety surface. The replacement of the safety surface is a crucial maintenance activity that will make the playground safe and enjoyable for children in the future.
GTP to Host First-Ever Parade with Jazz Bands Leading the March
The Greenwich Town Party will hold its first-ever parade on May 23, with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Preservation Hall Brass Band leading the march. The event celebrates the festival’s New Orleans theme and culminates with a party in the park at Havemeyer Field. The free event aims to further the organization’s core mission of bringing people together to experience the strength and spirit of community. The parade features members of the community, local and nonprofit organizations, and local high school bands.
Aquarion to Replace Almost 5,000 ft. of Water Main
Aquarion Water Company is replacing 4,800 feet of water main on Oval Avenue and Summit Road in Greenwich, with the project expected to be completed by October 2023. The aim of the project is to improve the company’s water distribution system, reduce leaks and water main breaks, and ensure high-quality water. The project may cause minor traffic delays and possible detours between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., and Aquarion encourages customers to sign up for the Everbridge notification system to stay informed. Customers with project-related queries can contact Luke Scatenato, Aquarion’s project manager, at 203-362-3040, and those with service or water-related issues can contact Aquarion Customer Service at 1-800-732-9678.
Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Restrictions Under Discussion
Greenwich Board of Health in Connecticut is looking to further restrict the use of gas-powered leaf blowers due to their loud noise and air pollution. Currently, gas-powered leaf blowers can only be used at certain times of the day in the town. The nonprofit group Quiet Yards Greenwich proposed to restrict the use of gas blowers in a four-year phased plan, which has been under discussion by the board’s subcommittee. Other towns in Fairfield County, such as Westport and Stamford, have also been debating gas-blower restrictions.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
GLT Spruces Up Muller Preserve
A group of volunteers gathered at the Greenwich Land Trust’s Mueller Preserve to give back to the earth by planting, weeding, digging, and mulching. The preserve serves as a crucial habitat for wildlife and plant species, and the volunteers’ work helped to ensure its preservation and maintenance. The GLT hopes to continue organizing similar events to promote environmental stewardship and community involvement in preserving natural spaces.
YWCA Expands Domestic Violence Services
The YWCA Greenwich, a community center that has provided domestic violence services for over 100 years, is expanding its services to include sexual violence and sexual assault. The Harmony Project will launch on July 1 and become the fifth agency in Connecticut to provide a spectrum of services for domestic and sexual violence. The expanded services will remove a barrier to accessing services, and clients will not be turned away if they need sexual assault services. The YWCA will rely on individual donations and institutional funding, including donations from foundations or corporations.
Open Arts Alliance holds auditions
Open Arts Alliance, a non-profit arts education organization in Connecticut, has announced auditions for its summer season. The program includes three productions, Finding Nemo Jr., The Lion King Experience, and Cabaret. The summer season is divided into three two-week sessions for younger students and a six-week program for high school students. For more information, please call Open Arts Alliance at For more information, please call Open Arts Alliance at or visit online at www.OpenArtsAlliance.com
Mothers for Others Provides Over 7,00 Diapers
Mothers for Others, a non-profit organization in Greenwich, Connecticut, recently distributed a record number of diapers to families in need. The community diaper distribution provided 7,445 diapers, a one-week supply for each child under three, along with wipes and diaper creams. One in three American families struggles to afford enough diapers, and no government program provides diapers as an essential need for babies. Mothers for Others distributed over 275,000 diapers to local families in 2022, including over 32,000 through community diaper distributions.
American Legion Post 29 and DAR Pancake Breakfast
The American Legion Post 29 and the Horseneck Daughters of the American Revolution recently hosted their Annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser in Glenville, Greenwich. The event was attended by over 100 people and included the dedication of a new flagpole by First Selectman Fred Camillo, joined by State Senator Ryan Fazio. The breakfast raised funds to support youth programs in Greenwich, such as the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, American Legion Baseball, and Boys/Girls State sponsorships. Veterans and Horseneck DAR members cooked and served breakfast and mingled with guests.
Greenwich Tree Conservancy Plants 100 trees
The Greenwich Tree Conservancy was awarded a grant from the Connecticut Urban Forest Council’s Urban Forestry Climate Change Grants Program to plant trees in areas that lack sufficient tree canopy, which can result in higher temperatures due to the heat island effect. The grant was initially for 50 trees but the Conservancy was able to plant double that number. The Conservancy worked with the Superintendent of Parks & Trees and the Town Tree Warden to carefully site locations for the trees based on climate change adaptability, urban survivability, wildlife benefits, and aesthetic appeal. The project also enhanced roadside construction off Exit 2 of I-95.
Greenwich-based Gunner Wins 2023 GAF Cutting-Edge Contractor Award
Gunner, a Greenwich-based company that provides roofing, siding, gutter, and window installation services, has won the 2023 GAF Cutting-Edge Contractor Award for its proprietary platform for online roofing estimates. The competition, which was held at the annual GAF WealthBuilder Conference & Expo, invited GAF Master Elites to share new innovations, creativity, and thought-provoking concepts. In addition, Gunner has been selected as a 2022 President’s Club Awards winner, an award given to an elite group of roofing contractors who have met the criteria to earn the designation of a GAF Master Elite® residential contractor.
Mike’s Organic Opening Brick & Mortar this Sunday
Mike’s Organic, a farm-to-home delivery service in Connecticut, is opening a retail location in Cos Cob on April 29. The small-format grocery store offers locally sourced produce, meats, dairy, fish, baked goods, vegan, and gluten-free options. The store also features a lineup of food-forward programming where guests can meet local farmers and purveyors. The location will also offer an extensive selection of Made by Mike’s organic, ready-to-eat meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner items. The store has outdoor seating available and will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Same-day delivery is available in the Greenwich area on weekdays and next-day delivery in Fairfield and Westchester County.
Nathaniel Witherell Care Facility Writes Off $4.1M
The Nathaniel Witherell care facility, owned by the town of Greenwich, is writing off nearly $4.1 million, mostly to account for bills that the facility failed to collect on time in previous years. The write-off was approved unanimously by the Board of Estimate and Taxation during its regular meeting on April 17. Most of the uncollectible bills are due to Witherell staff failing to file for reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid on time. The Witherell has been plagued by poor accounting practices and a drop in the quality of care, resulting in discussions about privatizing the facility. The financial adjustment is the final hurdle before the town finalizes its audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.
18th Annual Focus on French Cinema Festival
The 18th annual Focus on French Cinema festival has begun and will run until April 30, offering both in-person and online screenings of French-language films. The festival is presented by the Alliance Française of Greenwich and features a range of films including dramas, family films, love stories, thrillers, and comedies. Viewers can watch 10 premiere films online with a 48-hour viewing window. Two more in-person screenings will be available at the Avon Theatre, along with Q&A events with film directors.
SCHOOLS
GHS Outreach Club Clothing Drive
The Greenwich community has donated 3070lbs. of textiles to be reused, recycled, or donated, and the proceeds will benefit @theharrispro and programs focused on co-occurring disorders. With just two days left to reach their goal of 5000 lbs, the Greenwich High School Outreach Club is happy to report that they have already collected 4570 lbs of clothes and textiles.The clothing drive ends this Sunday, April 30th, so there is still time to make a contribution.
GCDS 2 Recipients of Ernie DiMattia Emerging Young Artist Award
The Ernie DiMattia Emerging Young Artist Award is an annual competition that recognizes and honors young artists who demonstrate exceptional talent and promise in their chosen field of the arts. This year, two students from Greenwich Country Day School were selected as recipients of the award. As winners, their original one-act-plays were read by Broadway actors on the stage of the Palace Theatre in Stamford, Connecticut.
GHS Women’s History Month Writing Contest Winner
Hanna Klingbeil won the GHS Women’s History Month Writing Contest by writing about Lady Six Sky of Dos Pilas and Naranjo. The contest was organized by the GHS Social Studies Department to encourage students to appreciate and acknowledge the contributions of notable women throughout history. The students were asked to write a letter thanking a notable woman from any time period and anywhere in the world for their contributions to women’s rights.
Paideia Institute High School Essay Contest Winner
A high school student, James Chang, won the Paideia Institute High School Essay Contest and received a full scholarship to participate in the Living Latin in Rome travel program. He wrote about one of his favorite poets, Catullus, in response to the essay prompt, which asked contestants whom they would choose to hear the stories of from Ancient Greece or Rome. The Paideia Institute is an educational organization dedicated to promoting the studying and learning of the classics, and James’ essay will be published in the In Medias Res online classical magazine.
Whitby School Art Show
Middle School students at Whitby participated today in their annual Art Show at the local art gallery St. Phillips Artist Guild (SPAG) in Norwalk. Students chose artwork from art classes, installed and curated their work within groups, and shared it with the Whitby and local art communities. There will be an additional gallery opening on Saturday, April 29th from 11:00 am-2:00 pm open to friends and family.
GHS Holds Safe Driving Day
On Safe Driving Day, GHS students witnessed a simulated car crash demonstrating the dangers of driving under the influence and distracted driving. The Greenwich Fire Department, Greenwich Emergency Medical Service, and GPD were present to educate the students on the perils of DUI and distracted driving. The event aimed to promote safe driving practices, emphasizing the importance of never drinking or using drugs while driving and putting down devices when operating a motor vehicle.
Sacred Heart Greenwich Holds 2nd Annual Earth Day Celebrations
This year, Sacred Heart Greenwich held its second annual Earth Day celebration. The school hosted 34 workshops on topics ranging from moss science research and bluebird habitats to composting and tree planting, led by 71 student presenters and 26 faculty leaders. The entire student body and faculty participated in hands-on workshops, outdoor activities, and presentations, and Cynthia Scharf, a climate change expert from the United Nations, was a guest speaker. The school recently became an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, and their commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability is part of their mission and goals.
Union Criticizes GPS Bus Driver Disqualification
The AFL-CIO Transportation Workers Union Local 100 expressed their displeasure with the disqualification of one of their school bus drivers, Nadia Micourt, from driving in Greenwich during a public hearing portion of a recent Board of Education meeting. The district sent a letter to the bus company, stating that Ms. Micourt should be disqualified immediately because she was driving dangerously. The union criticized the district administration’s decision as draconian, stating that the decision was made by one person and that Ms. Micourt was treated like a second-class citizen. They also argued that there was no prior warning, ability to defend herself, hearing, or due process.
WMS Soil Remediation Project Update
The Planning & Zoning Commission discussed the Board of Education’s application for remediation work on the contaminated fields at Western Middle School. The fields were closed suddenly in 2016 after local residents’ tests of soil confirmed contamination. The remediation action plan was to remove soil to a depth of two feet, replace it with clean fill, and cap it with synthetic turf. However, at the P&Z meeting, several people testified against the use of artificial turf, citing its toxicity to children, and urged the town to use real grass. The commission also expressed concerns about tree removal and the BOE not following landscaping regulations. While the soil remediation portion of the proposal has been approved, the applicant agreed to file a second application with details on turf, landscaping, lighting, plans for groundwater, and information on setbacks, fence heights, and wall heights by June 2.
BET Employs New Cost Estimator
The Greenwich Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET) is using its new “cost estimator” process for the first time to get an independent opinion on the price of future repairs at Old Greenwich School. The process was created to get a second opinion on large spending projects separate from the budget that town departments create. The Republican-controlled BET is taking a one-at-a-time approach to school repairs in Greenwich, with Central Middle School up next in the fiscal year 2023-24 and OGS to follow in 2024-25. The OGS repair price tag will be revisited during the next budget cycle.
Sacred Heart Greenwich Certified Audubon Coop Sanctuary
Sacred Heart Greenwich has become a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, making it one of only three schools in the US to achieve the designation. The certification demonstrates Sacred Heart Greenwich’s strong commitment to sustainability and stewardship in five categories: environmental planning, wildlife, water, resources, and education. The program helps organizations assess their environmental resources and develop plans that fit their unique property, staff, budget, and time. The certification process requires the development and implementation of an environmental management plan and the documentation of the results.
GPS Opens Second Preschool Classroom at Julian Curtiss School
Greenwich Public Schools has opened a second preschool classroom at Julian Curtiss School to offer services to more students. The district saw a growing number of students ages 3 to 5 who needed special education services, so Julian Curtiss opened another class last month. While the first preschool classroom has 14 students, the new classroom currently has 11, with a goal of having a ratio of nine general education students to six students with individualized education programs in the classroom. Recently, the Greenwich United Way donated $10,000 worth of tables, shelves, blocks, and chairs to the school’s original preschool room.
WMS Teacher Lauren Stabile Wins Fund for Teachers Fellowship Grant Award
Lauren Stabile, a teacher at Western Middle School, has been awarded a Fund For Teachers Fellowship Grant Award for her ability to design personal learning opportunities that stretch her students and strengthen her school community. She will travel to Yellowstone National Park to research the biodiversity-ecosystem balance and will then model this work for students in Greenwich.
SPORTS
GHS Girls’ Rugby Team Ties with Simsbury
Greenwich High School’s girls rugby team tied with Simsbury 29-29 in a recent game, despite being understrength due to missing seniors and injuries to key players. After being down 24-5 at halftime, the team displayed grit and determination in the second half, managing to tie the game in the final minutes. The team was led by junior Lara Olmsted, who scored a try early in the game.
GHS Girls’ Tennis Team Wins Two Consecutive Matches
Greenwich High School’s girls tennis team won two matches in a row against FCIAC rivals New Canaan and Darien, improving their record to 9-0. They won 4-3 against New Canaan on Monday and 5-2 against Darien on Tuesday, both matches played on the road. The team is set to host Ridgefield on Thursday.
GHS Boys’ Tennis Team Defeats Rival Darien
Greenwich High School’s boys tennis team won a hard-fought match against Darien, one of its main conference rivals, with a 4-3 victory. The match involved two undefeated teams, and Greenwich’s win kept their perfect record intact. Dylan Atkinson played at No. 1 singles for the Cardinals in the deciding matchup, just as he did last season, and his victory secured the win for Greenwich.
GHS Boys’ Volleyball Team Loses to Fairfield
Greenwich High School’s boys volleyball team lost 3-1 to Fairfield Ludlowe in an FCIAC matchup after winning their previous two matches. The Cardinals won the first game, but Ludlowe rallied and won the next three, putting an end to Greenwich’s two-match winning streak. The loss brings the team’s record to 2-4.
GHS Boys Tennis Wins 6-1 Against New Canaan
Greenwich High School’s boys tennis team won 6-1 against New Canaan on Monday. This victory brings the Cardinals’ record to 6-0. The team won three of the four singles matches and all three doubles matchups. Dylan Atkinson, a senior, won at No. 1 singles. Greenwich’s next match is against FCIAC rival Staples.
Brunswick’s First Eight Boat Wins Rowing Race
Brunswick’s first eight boat won a rowing race against Deerfield on Cos Cob Harbor. The race was a match-up of the defending NEIRA champions in the boys eights and fours. Brunswick’s second 8’s race had a boat-stopping, over-the-head “crab,” which led to Deerfield winning the race. Brunswick’s 3rd Eight won the race against Deerfield, and Deerfield won the 4th Eights race.
GA Track and Field Team Wins Against Miss Porter’s
Greenwich Academy’s track and field team won against Miss Porter’s School and Westminster School on Saturday, making their record 3-1. Junior Maddy Lee broke the school record in both the 1500-meter and 3000-meter runs, while Anaya Brown placed second in the long jump and triple jump for GA. Alden Smith came first in the 100-meter hurdles, and Mia Wilson was second in the 100-meter run. Hannah Murray won the javelin and took second in the discus, Ella Zea placed second in the high jump, and Emily Goodman was second in the 800-meter run. They will face Greens Farms Academy, Canterbury School, and Cheshire Academy on Wednesday at Cheshire Academy.
Mamaroneck High School Edges Greenwich in Close Lacrosse Game
Greenwich lost to Mamaroneck High School in a close game of lacrosse held at Cardinal Stadium. The game saw both teams competing aggressively and taking turns in gaining the upper hand. In the end, Mamaroneck won by scoring a goal with just 35 seconds left on the clock in the fourth quarter, securing a 10-9 victory.
GHS Girls Golf Team Aims for Championships
Greenwich High School’s girls golf team aims to contend for the CIAC Division I Championships and the FCIAC Championships this season after finishing second in both events last year. The team started its 2023 season with wins against New Canaan and Wilton, including a victory against the reigning FCIAC team champion, New Canaan. Coach Taner Karakas expressed confidence in the team’s success and plans to take it match by match.
GHS Softball Earns First Win of Season
Greenwich High School’s softball team earned their first victory of the season by defeating Weston 12-5 in a non-conference match. The Cardinals, who had a tough first half of the season, came out strong with 15 hits, solid pitching, and excellent defensive play. Greenwich lost their first nine games against strong opponents but had been close to victory in some of those games. The team continues to focus on improving each game and practice, and their positive attitude is a trademark of the squad.
GHS Boys Baseball Team Struggles in Three Losses
Greenwich High School boys baseball team lost all three of their games in a week against FCIAC opponents. Despite quality starts from their own pitchers, the team only managed to score three runs in total. In their latest game against Norwalk, the Cardinals were shut out 4-0 as Norwalk’s senior pitcher Deron Koppel struck out eight in six innings.
SH Varsity A Lacrosse Team Secures Win
Sacred Heart Greenwich’s Varsity A lacrosse team won 15-6 against The Hill Academy from Canada in a home matchup on Thursday. The Tigers had a comfortable 10-2 lead at halftime and continued to dominate the game in the second half, finishing with their eighth win of the season. Sophomore Charley Bacigalupo led the scoring with four goals and two assists, while junior Maggie Bacigalupo contributed a hat trick with two assists.
GHS Girls Tennis Team Dominates with Three Consecutive Wins
Greenwich High School’s girls tennis team had a busy but successful week, playing and winning three matches. They beat Fairfield Warde and then Trumbull, showcasing their singles and doubles depth, with a perfect 7-0 record so far. The team is proving to be a strong contender in the FCIAC this season, with previous wins against rivals Staples and Fairfield Ludlowe.
Brunswick School Lacrosse Falls Short in Close Match Against Taft
Brunswick School’s lacrosse team lost a close game 10-9 against Taft School in a New England Division I West game on Wednesday. It was the second time Brunswick lost a one-goal game this season. They previously lost to Darien earlier in the month. The team’s record is now 6-3, and they will play their next game on the road against division opponent Hotchkiss School.
GHS Boys Tennis Sweeps Doubles Matches
Greenwich High School’s boys tennis team swept all three doubles matches to win against Trumbull, 4-3 in an FCIAC matchup. The team has won three matches in three days and improved their record to 6-0. Freshman Volodymyr Dombrovskyi won his match in singles competition, while seniors Cai Jain and David Karetsky were victorious at the No.1 spot in doubles. Second doubles saw senior Zachary Toback and junior Tristan Sowter record a win, and Nicholas Frumin and senior Eli Norton were victorious at third doubles.
GHS Girls Lacrosse Team Suffers First Loss
The Greenwich High School girls lacrosse team suffered their first loss of the season against Wilton, with a final score of 13-3. Wilton’s senior Molly Snow and junior Addie Pattillo combined for eight goals, while Wilton improved their record to a perfect 7-0.
LOCAL POLITICS
Board of Education member Karen Kowalski presented a motion to approve the use of Hamilton Avenue School’s field, basketball court, and parking deck for St. Roch’s Church’s annual multi-day feast in August. The feast features carnival rides, food, games, and live music, and was held on both sides of St. Roch Ave. and across the street on school property. The BOE members discussed several conditions listed in the draft partnership agreement, such as ensuring that the newly improved basketball court remains protected and free from damage during and after the event, and that no alcoholic beverages are served on school property. The final motion was passed unanimously, with the addition of specific conditions. The BOE also accepted a donation for the immediate installation of an irrigation system from New England Total Landscaping for the Hamilton Avenue School athletic field.
FROM HARTFORD
PURA Approves Decision Part of Performance-Based Regulation
Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has approved a decision as part of its performance-based regulation framework for electric distribution companies. The framework was required by the Take Back Our Grid Act, signed into law in 2020 to increase accountability among utility companies following service disruptions caused by Tropical Storm Isaias. Governor Ned Lamont and the co-chairs of the legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee praised the move, which links utility earnings and profits to performance and imposes penalties during service disruptions. They hope the decision will help secure an affordable and reliable energy future for Connecticut.
First Week with Zero COVID-Related Deaths Since Pandemic
Connecticut has experienced its first-ever week with zero COVID-19-associated deaths. This is a significant milestone since the pandemic was declared a public health emergency in the US in January 2020.
AG Tong Calls for Hyundai/Kia Recall
Attorney General William Tong and 17 other attorneys general are calling for a federal recall of Hyundai and Kia vehicles due to the companies’ failure to address the high rate of theft of their vehicles. The letter, addressed to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, requests a recall of unsafe Hyundai and Kia vehicles manufactured between 2011 and 2022, as they lack the standard anti-theft devices found in almost all new cars of that time period. The coalition argues that the companies’ response through a phased and voluntary service campaign is insufficient to protect drivers and the general public.
