POLICE & FIRE
FROM TOWN HALL
Happy Birthday
This past week on June 3rd, our First Selectman Fred Camillo celebrated his birthday.
Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Reminder
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, only one gas-powered leaf blower per property is allowed. Homeowners should inform their landscaping professionals about this restriction to avoid fines and be considerate to neighbors. An alternative option is using local landscapers with zero-emission equipment, promoting a quieter and more environmentally friendly approach.
Greenwich Alarm Registration Invoices Due July 1st
Residents of Greenwich are reminded that invoices for alarm registrations have been sent by mail. To avoid late fees, payments must be made by July 1. Online payment options are available at www.greenwichct.gov/alarmpayment.
AROUND TOWN
Greenwich Sets KPIs to Tackle Affordable Housing and Water Usage
Recent data from the town of Greenwich reveals ongoing challenges with affordable housing and high residential water usage. To address these issues, the town has established key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor progress and hold itself accountable. Efforts are being made to increase affordable housing options, although the town still falls short of state requirements, and initiatives are underway to promote water conservation. The data informs decision-making and encourages community involvement in shaping the future of Greenwich.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Greenwich Library New Hires and Promotions
Greenwich Library has announced promotions and new hires. Dora Salm becomes Peterson Music Librarian, Siobhan Schugmann is now Peterson Business Librarian, and Stephen Schmidt is appointed Head of Resources Management. Travis Milliman joins as Performing Arts Librarian, and Danielle Argentieri is the new Children’s Librarian.
Greenwich Med Spa & Girls With Impact Empower Young Women
Greenwich Medical Spa collaborated with Girls With Impact for their grand reopening, supporting the nonprofit empowering young women through entrepreneurship education. The event at Riverside Commons featured treatment demonstrations, live entertainment, and more. Marria Pooya and Jennifer Openshaw shared their visions, and attendees heard from a GWI graduate and showcased women-owned businesses.
Greenwich United Way’s Education Programs Thrive, Impacting Hundreds
Greenwich United Way had a successful year collaborating with Greenwich Public Schools and the Greenwich Alliance for Education. Their ECAGS program focused on early childhood development, benefiting 200 students. The Reading Champions program supported 350 students, improving reading skills with 120 volunteers. The Math Champions program helped 17 students enhance their math skills. Greenwich United Way expressed gratitude to its partners and looks forward to continuing their educational impact.
Fred D Knapp & Son Funeral Home Change in Location
Fred D Knapp & Son Funeral Home, operating in Greenwich since 1906, has relocated to shared facilities at Coxe & Graziano Funeral Home on Hamilton Avenue. The move addresses parking and space challenges, providing larger facilities and garaged parking for funeral home vehicles. Pre-arranged accounts are protected and will transfer to the new location, where Matt Murphy will continue to operate independently. Both funeral homes have a long-standing presence in the community, offering the highest level of service and support.
Greenwich United Way Announces Promotions
Greenwich United Way promotes Amanda Finn to Program Manager for Greenwich Junior United Way, Cecile Meunier to Program Manager for Champions, and Robert Moore to Vice President of Community Impact. Finn will focus on program development and community awareness, Meunier will expand volunteer bases and programs, and Moore will oversee all organization programming and lead the 2025 Needs Assessment. CEO David Rabin expresses gratitude for their commitment to improving the community.
Friends of Greenwich Library Elect Two New Trustees
The Friends of the Greenwich Library elected two new trustees, Bey-Shan C. Liu and Karen Free Royce, during their annual meeting. Peggy Edersheim Kalb, President of the Library Board of Trustees, expressed enthusiasm for the new members. Liu, involved in community organizations and the PTA President of the International School at Dundee, recognizes the library’s significance and is honored to serve. Royce, who previously served on the board, is actively involved in organizations and has a passion for early childhood education. She is thrilled to serve as a trustee again and values the library as a community gathering place.
LWV Talk Explores Women’s Leadership and Civility in Politics
During the recent League of Women Voters Greenwich discussion, topics such as the Massachusetts woman’s lawsuit, the role of women leaders in bridging political differences, the impact of social media and media bubbles, and the definition and application of civility were explored. Klarides and Mayor Simmons highlighted the importance of fighting for beliefs while maintaining civility and addressing the unfair treatment of women in politics.
Greenwich Hospital Celebrates Graduation of Internal Medicine Residency Program
Greenwich Hospital celebrated the graduation of its 48th Internal Medicine Residency Program class and honored a nurse for her contribution to the physicians’ education. Notable awards were presented, recognizing achievements in teaching, patient care, research, and humanitarian efforts. The ceremony highlighted the graduates’ commitment to healthcare and the support provided by exceptional individuals at Greenwich Hospital.
Greenwich Hospital and Family Centers Expand Healthcare Partnership
Greenwich Hospital has partnered with Family Centers to expand healthcare facilities and treatment options for underserved patients. Family Centers will manage outpatient centers and clinics, providing women’s health, geriatrics, and pediatric primary care services. The new facility at 75 Holly Hill Lane will enhance care for low-income individuals and those with limited insurance. The collaboration aims to improve access to healthcare, including mental health and dental services. The opening date for the Holly Hill Lane facility is pending completion of the administrative process.
Greenwich United Way Nears Fundraising Goal
The Greenwich United Way is close to reaching its fundraising goal of $1.6 million to establish a new mental health service center for young people in collaboration with Greenwich Hospital. The center will provide outpatient programs and therapy rooms in a comforting environment. Construction of the facility, located at 500 W. Putnam Ave., is expected to begin soon, with financial assistance available to ensure accessibility for all families.
John Legend, Mike Jackson, and Ty Stiklorius Honored by GIFF
Renowned artists and founders of Get Lifted Film Company, John Legend, Mike Jackson, and Ty Stiklorius, will be honored at the Greenwich International Film Festival’s November Changemaker Gala. The gala aims to benefit Hill-Freedman Records and recognize artists who promote positive social change. The founders expressed gratitude for the Changemaker Award and their commitment to supporting Hill-Freedman World Academy and inspiring positive change through music.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Greenwich High School junior Amrutha Nandakumar has been accepted into the prestigious United States Senate Page Program, making her one of only 30 high school juniors selected nationwide. Sponsored by Senator Richard Blumenthal, Amrutha will contribute to the daily operations of the Senate during her three-week journey starting in July. As a Senate Page, she will take on various responsibilities, including delivering correspondence, assisting during Senate sessions, and supporting senators and staff.
GHS Seniors Empower Through Volunteerism
Greenwich High School seniors Mateo and Nico Gigliani Alcantarilla have dedicated their Saturday mornings for over five years to volunteering at Building One Community (B1C) in Stamford. B1C supports immigrant integration by offering healthcare, employment, legal assistance, and education services. As first-generation immigrants, Mateo and Nico understand the challenges newcomers face and extend a helping hand through their volunteer work. They serve as leaders in English Language Learning classes, creating a sense of community and comfort for immigrants. The brothers have also taken on leadership roles, managing youth volunteers and improving student experiences. Their work at B1C has made a significant impact on the lives of immigrants in the community.
GHS Alums to Preform Original Play
Carly Polistina, a former member of Greenwich High School’s drama program, will have her original play “Nosebleed” performed at the Rogue Theatre Festival in New York City on June 14. Polistina, a 2015 graduate, has been involved in various productions and the Magic Circle at Greenwich High School. She pursued a B.F.A. in acting at the University of Connecticut and this will be her second appearance at the Rogue Theatre Festival. The play features a cast that includes Carly Polistina, Justin Jager, Aidan Marchetti, Alexandra Brokowski, Grace Barber, and Maggie Polistina.
Greenwich Teen Organizes ‘Bullets into Ballads’ Variety Show
Naomi Jane Voigt, an eighth-grade student, has organized a live variety show called “Bullets into Ballads” to raise funds for the Ethan Miller Song Foundation, which works towards preventing gun violence. The show will feature young artists with experience in Broadway, film, and television, who will perform songs reflecting hope and the need for change. Inspired by her family’s dedication to gun violence prevention, Naomi chose music as her way to effect change and empower her peers. The event will take place at the Green Room 42 in New York City and will also be live-streamed.
SCHOOLS
Superintendent of GPS Gets 2% Salary Increase
The Board of Education has agreed to a 2 percent salary increase for Superintendent Toni Jones after evaluating her performance and discussing her goals. The board plans to hold a separate conversation later this month regarding the extension of Jones’s contract, which expires in the 2023-24 school year. Some board members expressed concerns that the 2 percent raise may be low given the current high inflation environment.
GPS Budget Cuts Killed School Field Trips; Foundations Have to Step In
Thanks to a grant of approximately $53,000 from the Greenwich Alliance for Education, all first-grade classes in the Greenwich Public Schools system will have the opportunity to visit the Bruce Museum, while second-grade classes will visit the Greenwich Audubon Center. The grant was obtained to address a decrease in field trip opportunities due to budget constraints, ensuring equitable access to educational experiences for students.
Eighth-Grader’s Capstone Project Sparks Love for Reading
Niamh O’Donovan, an eighth-grade student, included Hamilton Avenue School’s preschoolers in her Capstone Project. The students enjoyed her reading and wanted her to return. Niamh’s project addressed the link between low-income status and reading success, resulting in a donation of 70 books to promote early literacy for all preschoolers. Her efforts positively impacted the students’ love for reading and early literacy.
PTAC Essence Awards Celebrate Education Champions
The PTAC Essence Awards ceremony celebrated individuals who have made significant contributions to the educational journey of students in the Greenwich Public Schools (GPS). Cate Elliott-Bocassi received the 2023 Essence Award, while Valerie Rimmer was honored with the Lifetime Award for their remarkable dedication. Other nominees, including Carey Brisbee, Cristina Broderick, Kerri Gruss, Angie Hartofilis, Leila Horn, Anne Rockel, Dawn Wistrand, and the Washington D.C. Fundraising Committee, were recognized for their commitment to the GPS community.
GHS Students Honored by Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center
Greenwich High School students were honored by the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center for their exceptional talents in the Genocide Awareness Student Contest. Renee Chin, Murphy Bennett, and Heidi Farnum were recognized for their artwork focusing on genocides of the 20th and 21st centuries. Renee Chin’s digital artwork on the Rwandan genocide received first place, Murphy Bennett’s mixed media artwork on the same topic secured second place, and Heidi Farnum received an honorable mention for her collage on the tragic genocide of Indigenous American children. Their recognition highlights their dedication to raising awareness and understanding of historical atrocities.
3rd Annual Greenwich Middle School STEM Fair
The third annual Greenwich Middle School STEM Fair took place at the Greenwich Water Club, offering middle school students a chance to present their scientific projects and explore their interest in STEM. Organized by the First Selectman’s Youth Commission, the fair aimed to empower students and improve the community. Projects were evaluated by high school student mentors, and awards were given to the top three winners. The event featured inspiring speeches from Andrew Bramante and Raina Jain, highlighting the importance of scientific exploration and nurturing passion in STEM.
GHS Econ Club Paper Accepted for Publication by Journal of Future Economists
Greenwich High School Econ Club’s submission, “It’s a (s)Mall World: Globalization, E-Commerce, and Shopping Malls,” will be published in the Journal of Future Economists by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. They examined the impact of e-commerce on malls, emphasizing their decline and the need for adaptation. The team discussed how malls are diversifying and focusing on less digitized industries. They also explored the global perspective, highlighting different experiences in various countries. Their achievement in the challenge enhanced their understanding of economics and current events.
New Lebanon’s Erin John Nominated for Connecticut Teacher of the Year
Erin John, a first-grade teacher at New Lebanon School, has been nominated by Greenwich Public Schools for the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Program in 2024. The program celebrates exceptional teachers who inspire their students and show dedication to their profession. Ms. John, who has been with Greenwich Schools since 2012, will be recognized at a Board of Education meeting.
SPORTS
Skyliners Junior Line Soars with Synchronized Skating Triumphs
Yurika Sakai, Nancy Kessler, and Emily Duarte have joined the junior line of the Skyliners Synchronized Skating Team. They have achieved remarkable success, including winning the Gold at the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championship and the Bronze at the World Junior Synchronized Skating Championship. The Skyliners team was established in 2001 with the goal of creating an unparalleled synchronized skating club. Their success stems from intense training and exceptional teamwork, fostering collaboration and support among team members.
GHS Girls Track & Field Team Crowned FCIAC Western Division Champs
Greenwich High School Girls Outdoor Track & Field Team achieved a remarkable victory against undefeated Staples, becoming FCIAC Western Division Champions for the first time since 1992. Athletes felt joy and accomplishment upon hearing the news from Coach Peter Watson. Multiple athletes achieved personal records in various events, notable victories included relays, sprints, middle-distance, and hurdles. The team is full of strong contenders for the upcoming FCIAC Championship.
LOCAL POLITICS
Heather Smeriglio, Tax Collector Runs for Re-Election
This past Tuesday, town Tax Collector Heather Smeriglio held her re-election campaign outside of Cos Cob Library, with former Tax Collector Tod Laudonia and First Selectman Fred Camillo in attendance. Camillo praised Smeriglio’s character and collection rates, while Laudonia highlighted her qualifications. Smeriglio expressed gratitude, mentioned office changes, and shared plans for extended hours on upcoming tax bills.
Greenwich Considers Fair Rent Commission to Address Housing
During a recent Board of Selectmen meeting, a draft ordinance to establish a Fair Rent Commission in Greenwich was presented by Commissioner Demetria Nelson and assistant town attorney Laura McGeachy. This move is in response to state legislation requiring towns with over 25,000 residents to establish such a commission by July 1, 2023. The proposed commission would consist of five members, ensuring equal representation and a balanced political affiliation. They would have the authority to receive complaints, hold hearings, and investigate excessive rental charges. While the July deadline may not be met, the state is aware of the ongoing efforts, and two individuals have already expressed interest in joining the commission.
FROM HARTFORD
Early Voting Signed Into Law
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has signed a new law establishing early voting in the state. Starting from January 1, 2024, the law mandates 14 days of early voting for general elections, 7 days for most primaries, and 4 days for special elections and presidential preference primaries. Each municipality will be required to set up at least one early voting location. Connecticut joins the majority of states in adopting early voting, aiming to expand access and convenience for voters. The legislation received bipartisan support in the General Assembly.
