POLICE AND FIRE
Greenwich Firefighters Respond to Collision
Multiple firetrucks responded to a motor vehicle accident on Saturday morning, when a passenger car was struck by a box truck on I95. The event, a major collision, necessitated extrication. The case was subsequently turned over to Connecticut state police.
Safety Town Graduation Celebrated by Greenwich Services
Members of the Greenwich Police Department, the Greenwich Emergency Medical Service, and Greenwich Fire Department recently attended the graduation ceremony for Safety Town, a one-week safety education program organized by the American Red Cross chapter in Greenwich. Aimed at children entering kindergarten, Safety Town provided comprehensive lessons on accident prevention and awareness. During the program, children were guided by teachers and community helpers from the police, fire, and EMS departments. At the end of the week, graduates received a Safety Town diploma.
Absentee Ballot Fraud Fined $4,000
A Greenwich mother has reached an agreement to pay $4,000 to the state of Connecticut. The agreement comes after the woman admitted to mailing an absentee ballot during the 2020 election, signed with her daughter’s name. An investigation conducted by the Connecticut State Elections Enforcement Commission revealed that the mother had applied for the ballot using her daughter’s information without her consent. At the time, her daughter was residing in Florida and had registered to vote there.
Police Investigate Altercation on the Highway
Connecticut State Police reported the closure of a section of the Merritt Parkway North in Greenwich on Tuesday night due to a “physical altercation”. Troopers were dispatched to the scene following a report of an ongoing assault. However, police did not provide further information regarding the nature or cause of the altercation. Two involved individuals were identified and detained by Greenwich police officers at the scene. The closure of the northbound lanes near Exit 28 lasted for several hours before the roadway was reopened around 10:15 p.m.
FROM TOWN HALL
Japanese School Visits Town Hall
Ten students and teachers from the Japanese School of Greenwich paid a visit to Town Hall this week. It marked a significant moment after a hiatus on student visits due to the pandemic. The students exhibited enthusiasm as they delved into Greenwich’s history and the workings of local government. First Selectman Fred Camillo stated that he hopes to expand such visits in the upcoming school year.
Annual Dog Licensing Reminder for Residents
Licensing is an annual requirement for all dogs in Greenwich over six months old. A valid license tag must be worn at all times; an untagged dog is considered unlicensed and lacks legal protection.
When obtaining a license, owners must present proof of a current rabies vaccination and provide a certificate from a veterinarian confirming the animal’s spaying or neutering. Each June, owners are required to renew their dog’s license, which can be done in person at the Town Clerk’s office, or via mail. The license is valid from July 1st to June 30th. A penalty fee ranging from $8 to $19 is applied for each month of failure to renew.
Cell Service Surveys Postponed by Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen convened on Tuesday to decide on contracts for two surveys aimed at assessing the need for enhanced cell service. However, following public and town council input, they chose to postpone the vote and refer the decision to the newly established utilities commission, whose members were confirmed during the same meeting.
Approaching Deadline for Grand List Taxes
The deadline to pay the first half of taxes for real estate, personal property, and motor vehicles on the 2022 Grand List is August 1, 2023. A 3 percent interest charge, covering July and August, will apply for payments made on August 2 or later. Online payments can be made at the official website (https://www. greenwichct.gov/313/Tax-Collector), and the office will have extended hours on August 1, operating from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Alternatively, payments can be sent by mail to PO Box 3002, Greenwich, CT 06836-3002, with postmarks dated August 1 or earlier considered on time.
Boots & Shoes Program Opens for Applications
Into July, Greenwich residents will have the opportunity to apply for the Department of Human Services’ Boots & Shoes program. This initiative provides gift cards for footwear to schoolchildren aged 5-15. The application process begins in June, with applications being mailed and emailed to eligible individuals. To participate, applicants must submit their completed applications by July 25, and the distribution of gift cards will take place in early August. Interested residents are encouraged to complete an application and to contact their Greenwich case manager promptly, in order to schedule an appointment.
AROUND TOWN
Proposed Dog Park in Glenville Faces Opposition
Plans for a new dog park in Glenville, behind the Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center, faced opposition from local residents concerned about increased traffic and potential impact on property values. In the words of one local resident, “I don’t think there’s any room here for more traffic or more parking. There are plenty of kids who play on the street, and having an official dog park will draw people to the area”. The proposal, revisited by the Greenwich Board of Selectmen, involves a public/private partnership with Pet Pantry, which would pledge $30,000 to turn a small area off Hawthorne Street North into a dog park. First Selectman Fred Camillo, a supporter of the project, noted that the location is already frequented by dog owners. The proposed improvements include additional fencing, landscaping, benches, and dog-friendly features. While some residents voiced objections, Camillo emphasized the majority of feedback received has been positive, and he aims to address concerns to create a space that everyone can enjoy.
Free Music Fridays Return to Avenue
The town of Greenwich is bringing back its beloved “Free Music Fridays” on Greenwich Avenue. The concert series, originally launched during the pandemic, will commence on June 23 with a performance by Neal Spitzer. Taking place in Greenwich Commons near the Havemeyer Building, the concerts will run from 5 PM to 7 PM, and will continue into September. This is an ideal opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors, indulge in the diverse dining options available downtown, and savor the experience of live music. Mark your calendars for upcoming performances by Sound Cats on July 14, Sweet Friday on August 4, Chasing Romeo on August 25, and The Blues Control on September 8.
Greenwich Recovers Thousands in Unclaimed Payments
Last year, while browsing Connecticut’s unclaimed property website (https://ctbiglist.com/), a lightbulb went off for Greenwich comptroller Peter Mynarski. After searching under the Town of Greenwich, Mynarski came across hundreds of payments for the town. Following a long correspondence between the town, Mynarski, and the state treasurer’s office, Greenwich has finally recovered $62,851.06 from 227 checks. The checks were made out to the town but were never cashed so banks sent the funds to the state. The Greenwich checks ranged from almost $9,000 to pennies.
Controversy Surrounds Proposed Building
Controversy surrounds the proposed three- story building on Railroad Avenue as planning and design officials express concerns about its “urban” and “commercial” aesthetics. The Planning & Zoning Commission, evaluating plans for the 17-unit residential structure at 581 Railroad Ave., has called for design modifications, such as the addition of “wood elements”, to mitigate its stark appearance. The current design, featuring extensive glass and anodized aluminum panels, evokes a modern style. Commissioner Peter Levy, an architecture graduate from Columbia University, deemed it “extremely urban” and stressed the need to address several aspects that he felt were incongruent with Greenwich’s character. The project, whose developers are Railroad Avenue Realty LLC and Pet Pantry operator Adam Jacobson, would additionally entail the use of the building’s first floor for retail purposes, including a Pet Pantry store. Three residential units would therefore be dedicated to “workforce housing”.
Road Runners Unveil 2023 Race Series
Excitement fills the air as the Greenwich Road Runners reveal their highly anticipated 2023 Race Series! The GRR offer thrilling 5K and One-Mile Runs, catering to participants of all levels. Tod’s Point will serve as a scenic stage for the races. The races will occur on Friday, June 16 at 6:00 PM; Saturday, August 5 at 8:00 AM; and Sunday, December 3 at 10:00 AM. Participation will support community programs, including the Greenwich YMCA swimming programs, Greenwich Alliance for Education, and Greenwich Parks & Recreation Foundation.
Symphony Orchestra Welcomes New Members
At one of their yearly meetings, held on June 8 last Thursday, Greenwich Symphony Orchestra Board Chair Peter Tesei and Nominating Chair Sue Baker were joined by a series of new board members. Rob Mathes, Randall Atcheson, Judy Soto, and Catherine Stathakopouluos have all been welcomed to the organization’s board.
Hot Phiit Fitness Center Approved
The Greenwich Planning & Zoning Commission granted approval for the conversion of a dry cleaner into a group fitness center called “Hot Phiit” in Cos Cob. Located in the Cos Cob Commons shopping center, the studio will occupy the space between Island Fin Poke and Mumbai Times. Hot Phiit, owned by Infra-HIIT, LLC, specializes in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) pilates classes, conducted in an infrared heat environment for improved muscle recovery. The 1,250 sq ft layout includes 22 yoga mats, lockers, changing rooms, and a retail area. The commission discussed the impact of the fitness center on parking conditions and emphasized equal opportunities for all businesses in the shopping center. The unanimous 5-0 approval included conditions such as the consideration of class size adjustments during peak parking times, a half-hour gap between classes, and the encouragement of all-day office tenants to use the underground garage for parking.
GHS Student Citron Wins Merit Scholarship
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) recently revealed the names of over 3,000 recipients of National Merit Scholarships financed by U.S. colleges and universities. Among these exceptional students is Sophie J. Citron, a GHS student hailing from Cos Cob. Citron, a student with a passion for physics, was awarded a National Merit scholarship from Vanderbilt University. Such scholarships cover up to four years of undergraduate study at the sponsoring institution. Additional scholars will be announced in July, bringing the total count of recipients to over 3,800.
Horseshoe Crab Monitoring Program Launches
Greenwich residents are invited to participate in the daytime horseshoe crab monitoring program! The program, organized by the Town of Greenwich Conservation Commission, takes place at noon near the Tod’s Point kayak area on June 16 and July 5. Through the “Project Limulus” initiative, led by Sacred Heart University, participants will contribute to the ongoing study of the American horseshoe crab population in Long Island Sound. This hands-on experience involves counting, tagging, and analyzing adult horseshoe crabs, providing valuable insights into their life history. For more information, interested individuals can visit the Greenwich Conservation Department website.
Hospital Graduates Agents of Change
Greenwich Hospital recently held the 48th yearly graduation of its Internal Medicine Residency Program. In a notable departure from tradition, the hospital also recognized a nurse for her contribution to the education of the graduating physicians. Diane Kelly, president of Greenwich Hospital, lauded the graduates as “future agents of change” and commended their decision to pursue a career in healthcare.
Volunteer Monitoring for Local Bats
The Greenwich Conservation Commission joins Connecticut Fish and Wildlife in a bat monitoring program. Volunteers will drive along designated routes with specialized equipment mounted atop their vehicles. Provided by CT DEEP Bat Biologists, the equipment captures bat echolocation calls, subsequently analyzed and identified using SONOBAT software. This initiative helps monitor and understand local bat populations, contributing to conservation efforts.
Young Artists Philharmonic Calls for Auditions
Auditions for the Young Artists Philharmonic, which operates three orchestras catering to all ages and abilities, will be held on June 21 and 22. Taking place from 4 to 6 PM, the auditions will be held in the Steinway Music Room on the second floor at 299 Greenwich Avenue. These auditions present an exciting opportunity for young musicians and their parents to participate in Greenwich’s thriving music scene.
Wesskum Wood Rd Bridge Undergoes Overhaul
Starting on July 5, 2023, construction will commence to replace the deteriorating Wesskum Wood Road Bridge in Greenwich. The project, expected to last approximately one year, will address the bridge’s structural deficiencies. Pedestrian safety and accessibility will be enhanced with the installation of decorative crosswalks, a new sidewalk, a path connecting to the Binney Park trail, and accessible pedestrian ramps compliant with ADA standards. The bridge’s aesthetics will be preserved by using naturally rounded stones and at capstones, while new landscaping will be added to enhance the surrounding scenic area. A vehicular detour will be in place, affecting Arch Street, Sound Beach Avenue, West End Avenue, Summit Road, Drinkwater Place, and Owenoke Way—however, access to Binney Park will remain open via Binney Park Drive.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Greenwich Native to Perform in NYC
Carly Polistina, a scriptwriter and a Greenwich native, will premiere her second original play at the New York City Rogue Theatre Festival on June 14, at 7 PM. The two-person play, “Nosebleed”, is reflective of Polistina’s passion for theatre, which she credits Greenwich High School for fostering. It follows her successful debut at the festival in 2019 with her play “Annies and Kleptos”. Polistina’s upcoming performance marks an exciting milestone in her off-Broadway career.
Conga Line World Record to be Broken in Cardinal Stadium
Greenwich High School junior Omar Galal is set to embark on a remarkable feat: attempting to break the world record for the longest distance danced in a conga line. Galal, 17, will lead a group of 10 conga dancers at Cardinal Stadium on Saturday, aiming to surpass the current record. The event serves to raise funds for the River House, a non-profit adult day center in Cos Cob. Galal and his team plan to dance for approximately five to six hours, completing 64 laps around the stadium.
Lauded Greenwich Native Passes at 48
Lee-Clark Norsworthy Robbins, a former photo editor for Hallmark films and alumna of Greenwich Country Day School and Greenwich High School, passed away at the age of 48. Robbins, who died on June 10, was known for her athletic prowess as a lacrosse player during her time in Greenwich. Her obituary highlighted her achievements, noting that she received honorable mention in all-state lacrosse, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport.
SCHOOLS
GHS Celebrates Champions with Lively Parade
Greenwich High School celebrated its 2022- 2023 state championship sports teams with the lively “Parade of Champions” last Sunday. Cheered on by GHS cheerleaders, the parade showcased the successful athletes as they marched from town hall to Greenwich Avenue. The event was organized by Board of Education chairman Joe Kelly, in collaboration with First Selectman Fred Camillo and GHS principal Ralph Mayo. Accompanied by a fleet of fire trucks, the teams joyfully walked down West Elm Street while Queen’s iconic anthem, “We Are the Champions,” resounded through loudspeakers. Families lined the streets to show their support. The celebration concluded at Greenwich Commons near the Havemeyer building, where an enticing Chicken Joe’s food truck and an ice cream truck awaited the Champions.
First Selectman Attends New Lebanon Exhibit
First Selectman Fred Camillo visited a Fifth Grade end-of-year exhibition of learning at New Lebanon School last Friday. He was pictured posing with students in front of a presentation on Artificial Intelligence. This photo was accompanied by the First Selectman’s statement that he “learned a lot from his new pals”.
GHS Students Push the Frontier of Documentary Filmmaking
Students at Greenwich High School’s National History Club have showcased their research and creativity at the Fairfield Regional contest. With the annual theme of “Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas,” participants were encouraged to delve into their chosen historical topics and express their findings in unique projects. At the contest, two groups from the club excelled in the group documentary category. The winning documentary, “Women’s Fashion in World War II: A Frontier in Female Identity,” impressed the judges, while the second-place documentary, “Frontiers in Film: The Western Movie,” explored the impact of Western movies on popular culture.
Dreams Come True at New Lebanon School
New Lebanon School was graced with a magical visit on June 7 from beloved characters like Cinderella, Belle, and Superman, who joined forces to inspire the preschoolers to pursue their dreams. High school students enrolled in the Windrose program, the stated goal of which is to “find a greater purpose and meaning for learning”, brought the enchanting world of the interactive play “Dreams Come True” to life. The Greenwich Alliance for Education generously sponsored the play through a grant, allowing the preschoolers to experience a captivating performance, which taught lessons of friendship and aspiration.
LOCAL POLITICS
Camillo, Rabin, Budkins, Smeriglio Candidates
Greenwich Tax Collector Heather Smeriglio kicked off her re-election campaign outside the Cos Cob Library on a rainy Tuesday last week with support from former Tax Collector Tod Laudonia and First Selectman Fred Camillo. Camillo, who had launched his own re-election campaign in early May along with Lauren Rabin and Jackie Budkins (running for Selectwoman and Town Clerk respectively), spoke highly of Smeriglio’s character and professional abilities, emphasizing her consistent smile, high collection rates, and exceptional qualifications. Smeriglio’s campaign launch highlighted her achievements. See page 4 for a full story.
Laura Erickson, Janet Stone McGuigan Announce Candidacy
Laura Erickson, a present member of the Board of Estimate and Taxation, has announced her candidacy for First Selectperson. Incumbent Selectwoman Janet Stone McGuigan is additionally seeking a second term and will run alongside Erickson in the upcoming municipal election. Erickson aims to “improve traffic, parking and public safety…and…to preserve neighborhood character and address affordable housing for our town workforce and most vulnerable residents”. The municipal election is set for Nov. 7. See page 4 for a full story.
Deadlines Announced for Potential Primary
The Town Registrars of Voters have announced that a primary for the upcoming municipal elections on November 7, if needed, will be held on September 12. In light of this, there is an important deadline approaching for voters considering switching parties. Any registered voters in Greenwich who wish to change their party affiliation to vote in a potential September 12 primary must do so by June 12. Unaffiliated voters have a separate deadline of September 7 by mail or September 12 in person if they wish to change their registration.
