POLICE & FIRE
National Police Woman Day
National Police Woman Day, observed on September 12, honors and celebrates the contributions of female police officers across the United States, including those in the Greenwich Police Department. Despite their valuable role, women make up only around 10% of the police force in the country. This day aims to encourage more women to join law enforcement through campaigns and events while expressing gratitude for their service. If you’re interested in a law enforcement career, you can explore opportunities with the Greenwich Police Department on their website.
Cycling Rules Remind for Children
The Greenwich Police Department is urging safety and compliance with road rules as the number of children using bicycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters increases with the return to school. Children under 16 are required to wear helmets when riding bicycles and electric foot scooters. Cyclists, e-bike riders, and e-scooter users on sidewalks or crosswalks must yield to pedestrians and provide an audible signal when passing. Electric foot scooters (E-Scooters) are prohibited on public sidewalks in the town’s business districts, requiring them to be used on the road or in bicycle lanes. Certain streets and locations in Greenwich also have restrictions on bike, e-bike, e-scooter, skateboard, and skate usage. Motorists are advised to exercise caution and watch out for children on bikes and scooters, especially during school starting and ending times.
Constitution Day Celebration
The U.S. will celebrate the 236th anniversary of the Constitution signing on September 17th. To honor this event, the Town of Greenwich will host a proclamation ceremony at Town Hall on September 17th at 10:00 a.m. The Constitution, a document vital to democratic principles, was signed in 1787 during the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. The Horseneck Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will distribute free copies of the Constitution during the event, inviting town officials and residents to participate.
FROM TOWN HALL
Stay Informed About National Disaster
National Preparedness Month, observed in September by Ready.gov, emphasizes the need to prepare for unexpected disasters. The campaign prioritizes community outreach and aims to reach people where they reside. In Greenwich, Joe Laucella, the Emergency Manager, disseminates preparedness information through various channels and public meetings. To stay informed and connected, residents can register for the emergency communications platform at www.greenwichalerts.org.
Prepping for Hurricane Lee
The Town of Greenwich is cautioning residents to prepare for the potential impact of Hurricane Lee. While current forecasts do not show Hurricane Lee directly hitting CT, Emergency Management Director Joseph Laucella advises residents to stay vigilant, create an emergency plan, assemble an emergency kit, and register for Greenwich emergency alerts at greeenwichalerts.org. Boaters are also urged to secure their vessels in anticipation of heavy wind, rain, and storm surges. They should check and reinforce their boat’s moorings, battery, and bilge pumps, and consider hauling their vessels if necessary. Updates on the storm’s impact will be provided through the Office of the First Selectmen and www.greenwichalerts.org.
Traffic Problems and Solutions
Greenwich faces traffic and safety issues near schools and busy areas, particularly during drop-off and pickup times. To tackle these problems and improve road safety, the Selectmen’s Active Transportation Task Force plans a Public Safety Forum on October 2 at Town Hall, featuring experts and community members discussing experiences and solutions. Residents are urged to join and share insights, with a pre-forum survey by BikeWalkCT to gauge public views. Zoom participation will be available. The survey can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YFFTTHV
AROUND TOWN
Visit the Book Swap
The Holly Hill Resource Recovery Facility’s Book Swap is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Greenwich residents can donate books anytime in the provided bins. Visitors can bring unlimited books and take up to 10 per day from the shed, which holds 4,000 categorized books. Extra items like oversized books, cookbooks, CDs, DVDs, and LPs are available in outside bins.
Plans Proposed for 123-YO Home
At a recent Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, Chris Franco and his team presented a new plan for 5 Brookridge Drive. The proposal aims to restore a 123-year-old house, repurpose it, and create six condominium units while preserving the structure. The property would be serviced by a new six-unit, 12-bedroom septic system. The project falls under Greenwich’s Historic Overlay Zoning regulations and does not require below-market-rate units. However, neighboring residents have raised concerns about deed restrictions, leading to a lawsuit initiated by the property owners against those seeking a rezoning to a more restrictive RA-1 zone.
1 American Lane Development: Preliminary Plans and Concerns Discussed
During a recent Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, discussions focused on a proposed development at 1 American Lane in Greenwich. The project has transitioned from the pre-application stage to the preliminary stage. Originally, the proposal included 456 residential units in 41 buildings, but it has now been scaled down to 248 units across 61 buildings. The applicant seeks to amend the zoning regulations and create an overlay zone to allow residential use in an area zoned for office use. Public comments highlighted concerns about the impact on neighboring properties, water usage, and the appropriateness of affordable housing in the development. There were also discussions about how the property would be used, including ancillary uses like retail or daycare.
Bruce Park Considered for Historic Status
On September 6th, the P&Z Commission reviewed a report from the Historic District Commission regarding designating Bruce Park as a “local historic property.” This designation would offer additional protection to the park if any developments are proposed. Discussions mainly revolved around the extent of protection and maintenance procedures for the park’s historic features. Ultimately, the P&Z commission voted unanimously to support the park’s designation as a local historic property, aligning with the town’s conservation and preservation goals outlined in the POCD. The decision will now go to the Representative Town Meeting for consideration, likely in October.
Local Officials Pursue Dark Sky Preservation
Local planning officials are actively working to preserve dark night skies in town. The focus of these regulations is on curbing “uplighting,” which directs light into the night sky. While this restriction has been in place since 1993, enforcement has been minimal. New regulations aim to create “dark skies” with different lighting zones to protect environmentally sensitive areas. They also promote eco-friendly technologies like light and motion sensors. Enforcement relies on community cooperation, and discussions are ongoing with the police department regarding nighttime security lighting. There’s a suggestion to temporarily lift uplighting bans for holidays like Christmas and July 4. Drafting these regulations, with consultant input, is an ongoing process.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
MCU Relocates to Stamford
Members Credit Union (MCU), which has been serving Greenwich for nearly 90 years, is relocating its headquarters to Stamford. The move comes in response to increased rent at its current location on East Putnam Avenue in Cos Cob. MCU will make the transition to 612 Bedford Street in Stamford, formerly a Bankwell branch, with a target date of December 1, 2023. In Stamford, MCU will own the building. The credit union, initially founded by nine Greenwich school teachers in 1935, has expanded its services over the years to include the broader Fairfield County community.
Lions Club Screens Students’ Eyes
Greenwich Lions Club visited North Mianus School, offering students eye screenings through the “KidSight” program, utilizing the HillROM Spot Screener device to detect eye issues. This initiative, introduced in 2015 and expanded district-wide in 2017, screens thousands of students each year. Principal Kathleen Ramirez praised the program’s educational value and its provision of glasses for uninsured students. The Lions Club will extend its efforts to Hamilton Avenue School in the coming week.
New Council Advances Greenwich Hospital Campaign
The Campaign Leadership Council has been established to advance the Campaign for Yale New Haven Health Greenwich Hospital, a multiyear fundraising effort. The campaign aims to support the expansion of various hospital services, such as behavioral health, children’s health, heart and vascular, neuroscience, and oncology. Comprising 24 members from the community, the council will work alongside the Greenwich Hospital Board of Trustees and hospital leadership to achieve fundraising objectives as the campaign enters its public phase. In the past four years, during its silent phase, the campaign has already raised $63 million, with the council having its first formal gathering on June 14 and ongoing meetings to guide the campaign’s progress.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Greenwich Youth Receives International Stockholm Junior Water Prize
Naomi Park received the International Stockholm Junior Water Prize during World Water Week in Stockholm, Sweden. The award was presented at the same event where the Nobel Prize for Water Research was conferred.
Kordick Case Settled
Greenwich has moved towards approving a $650,000 settlement in a civil case involving the town and former Greenwich Police Capt. Mark Kordick. Kordick previously admitted to placing fake political signs connecting then-President Donald J. Trump with Republican First Selectman Fred Camillo during the 2019 election. Kordick was fired in April 2020 from the Greenwich Police Department for behavior unbecoming of an officer after several incidents and reprimands. Kordick then filed a lawsuit against Greenwich in June 2020, alleging retaliation for his off-duty political speech. The settlement follows a recent vote by the Representative Town Meeting Claims Committee to approve funds required by the town’s insurance contract and is seen as a resolution to a contentious chapter in the town’s history.
SCHOOLS
Information on Free & Reduced Lunches
Greenwich Schools are sharing the income guidelines for determining eligibility for free and reduced-price meals in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). These guidelines, provided by the USDA, are used in Connecticut to determine eligibility for free and reduced-price meals in USDA Child Nutrition Programs for the period from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. The guidelines consider various sources of income, and if a household has multiple income sources with different frequencies, they must be converted to an annual amount for eligibility determination. The school food authority compares household size and total income to these guidelines to determine eligibility, especially in cases of parental unemployment. More information is available on the CT Dept of Education website.
Greenwich Embraces Improved School Planning
A recent legal opinion by John Wetmore has raised concerns for the planning of a new Central Middle School in Greenwich, stating that MI projects, including schools, need prior approval from the Planning & Zoning Commission or the RTM before proceeding beyond “studies or surveys.” This has led to a project timeline and budget reevaluation, anticipating potential delays and increased costs. Some Board of Education members suggested seeking a second legal opinion, while others questioned the timing and impact. First Selectman Fred Camillo stressed the importance of efficient MI process facilitation for school construction projects, impacting not just the Central Middle School but potentially other town school projects.
Community Engages Actively in School Project Discussion
At a public forum for the new Central Middle School project, 29 people voiced their opinions, marking the building committee’s one-year anniversary. The forum featured expert presentations on traffic, layout, and costs. Chair Tony Turner noted increased regulatory costs, leading to a revised timeline due to a legal opinion by John Wetmore, town special counsel. Concerns were raised about project size, budget, testing, and urgency, with some emphasizing the need to address enrollment and outdated facilities. State Rep. Rachel Khanna stressed the project’s importance, while others called for responsible spending and depoliticizing the project.
New GPS Nurse Supervisor
Jessica Wieneke has been appointed as the new School Nurse Supervisor, replacing Mary Keller, who retired after 22 years. Ms. Wieneke has been a public health school nurse with Greenwich Public Schools since 2018, previously serving at Cos Cob School. Her experience includes working as a charge nurse in labor and delivery and as a staff nurse in the emergency department at Greenwich Hospital. Jessica holds a nursing degree from Norwalk Community College, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Grand Canyon University, and a master’s degree in nursing from Sacred Heart University.
Joan Pritchard Retires
After two decades of dedicated service as the administrative assistant in the Special Education Support Services Department, Joan Pritchard has announced her retirement. The SESS Department recently came together to celebrate her retirement and express their gratitude for her many years of hard work and commitment.
Greenwich Teacher Honored for Mentorship
Mr. Robert Conlan, a science teacher at Greenwich High School, has received the 2023 Emmy Ogden Mentoring Award from Hortulus of Greenwich. This award recognizes outstanding mentorship for inspiring a passion for nature, encouraging creativity, and demonstrating a generous spirit. With over 20 years of experience in teaching AP biology, AP environmental science, marine biology, and biology, Mr. Conlan has gone above and beyond to educate his students about environmental impacts and the importance of caring for the planet.
GHS Teacher Named 2023 CT History Teacher of the Year
Karen Boyea, a teacher at Greenwich High School, has been named the 2023 Connecticut History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding educators in American history from elementary to high school levels across the country. Ms. Boyea, who has been teaching at GHS since 2002 and was previously honored as a GPS Distinguished Teacher in 2011, will receive a $1,000 honorarium, a collection of American history books, Gilder Lehrman educational materials, and local recognition. She is also one of 53 finalists for the 2023 National History Teacher of the Year Award, with the national winner set to be announced in the fall of 2023.
SPORTS
GHS Field Hockey Dominates Danbury
Greenwich High School’s field hockey team had a strong start to their season with a 9-0 victory against Danbury. They scored five goals in the first half and showcased excellent ball movement. Juniors Kate Donnellan and Stella Thiebault both scored two goals each to lead the team’s offensive efforts.
GHS Soccer Strong Returning Core
The 2022 Greenwich High School boys’ varsity soccer team had a remarkable postseason run, winning the CIAC Class LL Tournament as the 16th seed. They secured victories through penalty kicks in the early rounds against Farmington and Trumbull and won the quarterfinal against Newington with a 1-0 score. In the semifinals, they again won in penalty kicks against Fairfield Prep, while the championship game against Hall also went to penalty kicks, resulting in a 4-3 victory for Greenwich. This marked their first state championship since 1961. Despite graduating some players, they have a strong returning core for the 2023 season, known for their never-quit mentality.
GHS Football Wins 2023 Opener
The Greenwich High School football team started the 2023 season with a victory against Fairfield Prep, just like they ended their 2022 campaign. They secured a 35-21 win in a game marked by strong performances in special teams, a balanced offense, and solid defense. This anticipated matchup between two playoff-caliber teams featured exciting moments on both sides but ultimately resulted in the Cardinals’ second consecutive victory over the Jesuits, mirroring their previous meeting in the CIAC Class LL state title game.
GHS Field Hockey Eyes Victories
The Greenwich High School varsity field hockey team aims to build on its strong 2022 season and secure victories against rivals like Darien, New Canaan, Staples, and Ridgefield in both the FCIAC and state competitions. With a record of 10-3-0-1 in the conference last year, the team is determined to excel and achieve their goals of winning the FCIAC and state titles. Coach Megan Wax believes they can be highly competitive and succeed by addressing details and executing game plans in the competitive league they are in.
LOCAL POLITICS
Backlash Over Private DeSantis Fundraiser
A private fundraiser for Florida Governor and presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis in Greenwich faced opposition from more than a dozen demonstrators. They gathered near the event location, brandishing signs and criticizing DeSantis for his treatment of immigrants and restrictions on discussing sexual orientation in schools. The protesters voiced concerns about radical candidates receiving support from major donors in their hometown. The fundraiser, with ticket prices starting at $3,300 per person, featured VIP options costing up to $13,200, allowing attendees to participate in a VIP Photo Reception with DeSantis.
Two Republican BOE candidates, Adele Caroll and Rich Niemynski, withdrew, leaving Karen Kowalski and Wendy Vizzo Walsh as the remaining Republicans for two BOE seats. Both parties have two open BOE seats, increasing the likelihood of Walsh and Kowalski winning in November. Reasons for Caroll and Niemynski’s withdrawal were undisclosed, but the RTC supports Kowalski and Walsh. On the Democratic side, Karen Hirsh and Sophie Koven continue their BOE campaign. The election is on November 7th. Voters will choose four candidates, two from each party will win BOE seats, while unaffiliated candidates can also run.
FROM HARTFORD
AG Tong Closes Probe on Boland
Attorney General Tong closes probe into discriminatory hiring allegations involving former Greenwich educator Jeremy Boland. Project Veritas exposed Boland’s remarks favoring younger candidates and bias against hiring Catholics. This is the third inquiry finding no systemic discrimination in Greenwich schools, following an independent investigation and an assessment by HR officer Jonathan Budd. Tong’s findings are publicly available, stating no civil rights violations. Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones appreciates the investigation’s professionalism and minimal disruption to school operations.
