November is National Native American Heritage Month
Native American Heritage Month, observed in November, has its roots in the early 20th century when efforts were made to recognize the significant contributions of Native Americans to the United States. Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca Indian, and others advocated for an American Indian Day, leading to its formal approval in 1915. However, it wasn’t until 1990, during President George H. W. Bush’s tenure, that November was officially designated as “National American Indian Heritage Month.” This month serves to honor and celebrate the rich cultural and historical heritage of Native Americans, highlighting their important role in the nation’s development. Information from https://www.nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov/
POLICE & FIRE
Local Heroes Honored for Service
Greenwich Professional Firefighters Lt. Jerry Romaniello and Deputy Fire Marshal Chris Moynahan have retired this year, which became effective this past Wednesday, November 1st. Both of these dedicated individuals have faithfully served the Town of Greenwich and Local 1042 for over 26 years.
Supply Chain Issues Delay Greenwich Fire Trucks
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new crisis has emerged for fire truck manufacturers, affecting Greenwich, Connecticut. Initially budgeted at $1.7 million, the cost of a vital ladder truck surged by an extra $500,000 due to supply chain challenges. While the Representative Town Meeting approved the added funds, the town faces a prolonged wait until the truck arrives, not expected until 2027. Rising prices for essential components like steel and microchips are to blame, and older vehicles in the fleet require maintenance.
GPD Dispels False Robbery Rumors
The Greenwich Police Department (GPD) has addressed false information circulating on social media about a violent robbery near the Audubon Center, confirming that no such incident has occurred. The GPD Dispatch Center has not received any reports related to this incident, suggesting it may be a swatting attempt to disrupt public safety. They urge the public not to spread unverified rumors or call the Dispatch Center for information as the incident is untrue. The GPD emphasizes the importance of relying on reliable sources and official channels for accurate information to avoid causing unnecessary panic and harm in the community.
FROM TOWN HALL
Greenwich Seeks Input on Pomerance Park’s Future
The Town of Greenwich is actively seeking input from the community to help plan for the future management of the Pomerance and Tuchman parcels, which include Pomerance Park and the adjacent Tuchman parcel owned by the town. Over the years, the site has seen a significant increase in popularity, to address this, the town is currently in the process of developing a Master Plan for these parcels and has collaborated with the consulting firm GZA to create a survey aimed at gathering input from park users. Residents’ feedback is incredibly valuable in this Master Plan process and will play a pivotal role in shaping the park’s future vision. The survey will close on Friday, November 17. Find more information and the link to the survey here: https://www.greenwichct.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2186
Greenwich Contemplates Infill Housing Development
Greenwich resident Peter Boldt has proposed acquiring five town properties for infill housing development. This initiative, discussed during a recent Board of Selectmen meeting, highlights the potential for affordable housing in Greenwich. Boldt’s vision stands in contrast to high-density developments, focusing on underutilized or vacant land with existing infrastructure and public transportation access. However, community sentiment and the preservation of open spaces, such as the Glen Avon property, remain central to the ongoing debate, prompting First Selectman Camillo to suggest the formation of a committee to explore affordable housing options on town-owned properties.
AROUND TOWN
School Bus Safety: Urgent Reminder
Drivers around town are being reported for reckless driving around stopped school buses, including ignoring stop signs and flashing lights. This dangerous behavior puts children’s lives at risk, as school buses stop to protect them. Those who disregard these signals will face significant tickets from GPD. State law mandates that drivers must stop at least 10 feet from a school bus displaying red signal lights and wait until they turn off unless directed otherwise by a traffic officer. First Selectman Camillow urges all drivers to obey the law, prioritize safety, and avoid tragic accidents.
Greenwich Revives Putnam Avenue Greenery
Greenwich is launching a bold reforestation project on Putnam Avenue, aiming to turn it into a green corridor stretching from New York to Stamford. The plan includes planting 300 trees over five years, with 158 trees to be planted initially. The town is collaborating with the state, and the project has gained approval, with work starting later this year. Various tree species like hackberry, northern catalpa, and crepe myrtle will be part of this transformation, with the first phase scheduled for fall and spring 2024, followed by another phase in 2024-2025, promising a more verdant future for Putnam Avenue.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Rand Insurance Joins Chubb Charity Challenge
Rand Insurance, a prominent independent agency in southwest Connecticut, recently joined the 2023 Chubb Charity Challenge at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, CT. This charity golf event unites agents and clients across North America, raising nearly $19 million since its 2000 inception for various causes. President Barbara Stevens led the Rand Insurance team, which donated their $2,500 winnings to “Kids In Crisis,” a Greenwich non-profit supporting children in need. This reflects Rand Insurance’s ongoing commitment to community service and partnership with Cross Insurance in providing comprehensive insurance solutions and supporting local charities.
Ada’s Kitchen in Riverside Closing
Ada’s Kitchen + Coffee in Riverside, Connecticut, will close its doors in mid-February 2024 due to a significant rent increase from the landlord. Ada’s, known for its scratch-made seasonal food and candy offerings, has been a local staple for nearly eight years. The restaurant, located at 112 Riverside Ave., served breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a menu featuring sandwiches, wraps, salads, pastries, coffee, tea, smoothies, and candy, often using locally sourced ingredients. The establishment’s history includes its location as the former Riverside Post Office and Ada Cantavero’s Variety Shop, a long-standing penny candy store. Pietrafeso expressed gratitude to his customers and encouraged them to visit his sister store, Roost Kitchen + Coffee, in the future.
P2P’s Luncheon Raises Funds
The annual Transforming Lives Luncheon, hosted by Person to Person (P2P) at the Hyatt Regency in town, featured Pulitzer Prize-winning author Andrea Elliott as the keynote speaker. The event raised over $200,000 to support P2P’s mission of aiding individuals and families on their path to economic stability. Elliott discussed her Pulitzer Prize-winning book, “Invisible Child,” which chronicles the struggles of a homeless young girl in New York City. The luncheon also highlighted the personal journey of Katerine Gonzalez, a P2P beneficiary, and emphasized the importance of addressing issues like education, income inequality, and housing in American society.
New Youth Ministry Director Appointed at FCCOG
Recently, Khaleigh Laicher joined the First Congregational Church of Greenwich (FCCOG) in Connecticut as the new head of FCCOG Church School and Regional Youth Ministry, a newly established role. She will oversee the Church School and concentrate on youth ministry, specifically for students in grades six to twelve, aiming to foster an inclusive and enjoyable environment for them to explore their faith. Originally from Texas, Khaleigh Laicher and her wife Julie recently moved from Massachusetts and bring seven years of experience in church leadership and youth group development across different religious traditions.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Carla Sherman Appointed Cos Cob Library Branch Manager
Carla Sherman, a former part-time librarian at Greenwich Library since 2017, has been named the new branch manager of the Cos Cob Branch Library. She gained recognition for her innovative programs, such as virtual events and technology exploration, while serving as Assistant Training Librarian starting in 2019. Carla also brings expertise in children’s services and has a background in entertainment, specifically in TV and movie post-production. Additionally, she played a crucial role in digitizing old film and video materials for digital preservation.
SCHOOLS
Eugene Matejek appointed GPS Special Education Coordinator
Eugene Matejek has been appointed as the Greenwich Public Schools’ Special Education Coordinator. Mr. Matejek, previously the assistant principal at Riverside School, will continue to assist Principal Weiss during the transition. Matejek’s responsibilities include supporting administrators and staff to improve curriculum access for students with disabilities, coordinating professional development, and evaluating special education staff. Mr. Matejek brings over two decades of experience in education in Greenwich.
GCDS 3rd Graders Learn from Falcons
Third-grade students at Greenwich Country Day School recently concluded their Birds of Prey unit with a visit from the Greenwich Audubon Center. During the visit, they had the opportunity to meet a falcon, a hawk, and an owl. The students were able to share their knowledge about birds of prey and had their questions answered by an Audubon expert.
Whitby School Appoints New Head
Whitby School in Greenwich has named Jay Briar as its new Head of School, beginning his tenure in July 2024 after the retirement of Dr. Jack Creeden. The selection process, spanning seven months, included input from trustees and community leaders. Hannah Granade, Chair of the Board of Trustees, praised Briar for his dedication to PK-8 education and alignment with Whitby’s teaching methods. Jay Briar, currently leading Powhatan School in Virginia, brings extensive educational leadership experience and a commitment to nurturing children’s growth and character development in close-knit communities. Founded in 1958, Whitby School serves students from 18 months to eighth grade.
Greenwich Educators Confront Hate Incidents
In Greenwich, educators like Ralph Mayo and Thomas Pereira confronted derogatory comments and symbols, promoting unity and urging students to report incidents. Rabbi Mitch called for a zero-tolerance policy against hate, while Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones reassured the community of their commitment to addressing hate-related incidents and responsible social media use. Local leaders in Greenwich are actively addressing and denouncing hate incidents in Greenwich schools and the community.
Political Table Sparks Controversy at Glenville School
At a recent gathering at Glenville School in Greenwich a member of the Republican Town Committee set up a political table featuring literature supporting Republican BET candidates and RTM District 9 candidates. Some attendees believed this violated the school’s policy against distributing campaign literature on its property. Superintendent, Dr. Toni Jones, reminded both Democratic and Republican parties of the policy. Despite concerns, the event continued.
SPORTS
Goldstein’s Late Goal Seals GCDS Victory
Asher Goldstein scored his first varsity goal in a dramatic 1-0 win for Greenwich Country Day School against Brunswick School on October 25. Goldstein’s goal, coming in the 89th minute from a corner kick, secured the Tigers’ first varsity soccer victory over the Bruins. The game was hard-fought, with GCDS capitalizing on their final set piece to clinch the win.
Senior Night Victory for Brunswick
Brunswick School’s soccer team celebrated Senior Night with a win over Hopkins School at Cosby Field in New Canaan, CT. Kieran Raker stood out, scoring a hat trick, while Hopkins also scored a goal. Impressive goalkeeping by Phil Stabinsky ensured Brunswick’s victory.
Brunswick Polo Wins vs GHS
Brunswick School defeated Greenwich High School 19-13 in a recent water polo matchup, securing their third consecutive win this season and improving their record to 21-3-1. Senior captain Ryan Ohl and junior Adam Blum each scored six goals in the victory, with junior Emil Sogaard-Srikrishnan adding five goals.
Greenwich Academy Dominates Cross-Country
Greenwich Academy remained undefeated at a recent FAA cross-country meet at Sherwood Island Park, led by Lily Lyons and Maddy Lee. Lyons set a course record with an 18:30 time for first place, while Lee finished second in 19:38. The team went 5-0, beating Hopkins School, Sacred Heart Greenwich, Greens Farms Academy, School of the Holy Child, and Rye Country Day. Coach Jane Finch praised the team’s 14 personal records for their impressive performance.
Brunswick Crew Takes Second Place
Brunswick School’s crew team secured second place in the Men’s Youth Fours at the 58th annual Head of the Charles Regatta. The Bruins crew, comprising coxswain Lucas, stroke Henry Andren, Mark Kakoma, Reed Eddy, and bow George Kapp, continued their success at the event, marking the third consecutive year of winning medals and being the top school in their category. Despite a challenging race that included contact with another crew, Brunswick finished second with a time of 16:59.6, narrowly missing the top spot, which was taken by a strong club crew from California.
Greenwich Field Hockey Dominates FCIAC
Greenwich High School’s field hockey team had a slow start in the FCIAC Tournament quarterfinals but picked up the pace in the second quarter, scoring three goals. Clara Ojea Quintana stood out with four goals in their 7-0 win over Wilton. They advanced to the semifinals against top-seeded Darien, earning praise from Coach Megan Wax for their strong defense and precise offense. The Cardinals finished first in the FCIAC West Division regular season with an 11-2-0-2 record.
GHS Football Defense Shines
Greenwich High School’s football team had a strong defensive showing, forcing three turnovers, including a game-sealing interception for a touchdown by Jack Carroll in their 23-9 win over St. Joseph. The Cardinals’ defense consistently pressured the quarterback and stopped the running game, maintaining their perfect 7-0 record and top rank in the GameTimeCT Top-10 Football Poll. Their defense has allowed just 23 points in their last four games, playing a crucial role in their success.
GHS Girls Soccer Team Gears Up for CIAC Class LL State Tournament
Greenwich High School girls soccer team’s impressive unbeaten streak ended with a 2-0 loss to Darien in the FCIAC Tournament quarterfinals. Darien avenged a regular season loss and advanced to the semifinals against Staples. Despite the setback, Greenwich is staying positive, using the defeat as motivation for the upcoming CIAC Class LL state tournament, where they aim to make a strong run.
GHS Boys Soccer Team Triumphs in Overtime
Greenwich High School’s boys soccer team won a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Danbury in the 2023 FCIAC Tournament quarterfinals. After a goalless regulation time, Andre Meier and Maximo Ferrario scored in overtime for Greenwich. Meier’s goal came from a deflected free kick, and Ferrario scored with a long-distance shot. Greenwich held on for the win despite Danbury’s late push, thanks to crucial saves from junior goalie Miguel Leon. This victory marks a promising start for Greenwich in the tournament, with high hopes for future success.
GHS Girls Volleyball Ends Regular Season
Greenwich High School’s volleyball team ended their regular season strongly with a 15-4 overall record and the No. 6 seed in the FCIAC Volleyball Tournament. They celebrated Senior Day with a 3-0 win over Norwalk, led by Kassidy Bonney’s 14 kills. Additionally, they achieved a notable 3-1 victory against Fairfield Warde, with Bonney contributing 20 kills. Their sole loss came against Westhill, where Dionis had 19 digs, and Bonney recorded 16 kills.
Sacred Heart Field Hockey Triumphs
The Sacred Heart field hockey team recently secured two impressive wins, extending their winning streak to 10 games and improving their overall record to 12-1. In the first game, they defeated Westminster School 3-2, with senior tri-captain registering two goals and one assist. The team came from behind to secure the victory, with the game-winner by Nemec in the final quarter. In the second game, they triumphed over Greens Farms Academy 4-0, with Skylar Stewart scoring twice and Teresa Harkins making four saves. Coach Alex Gheorghe commended the team’s performance and their near-perfect season.
Sacred Heart Soccer Excels
The Sacred Heart soccer team is excelling this season with a 12-2-1 record, including an 8-0 FAA record. They clinched the FAA regular season title and the top seed in the FAA Soccer Tournament with a 2-0 win over Greens Farms Academy. The senior-led defense has secured several shutouts. Despite an injury to leading scorer Clare Greisen, the Tigers are eager to maintain their momentum as the No. 1 seed in the upcoming tournament.
LOCAL POLITICS
Greenwich Extends Office Hours for Election
The Greenwich Town Clerk’s Office in Connecticut is extending its hours leading up to Election Day on November 7th. They will be open until 7 p.m. on November 1st and from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on November 4th to accommodate those wishing to submit absentee ballots or seek assistance. First Selectman Fred Camillo encourages residents to utilize these extra hours to ensure that their ballots are handled correctly and on time, emphasizing the importance of everyone’s voice being heard in the upcoming election in Greenwich.
FROM HARTFORD
Have You Seen a Gray Fox?
CT wildlife biologists are embarking on a mission to assess the population status of the elusive gray fox and are seeking public assistance in spotting live animals and reporting roadkill incidents. Despite being less common than their red fox counterparts, gray foxes are distinguished by their nocturnal behavior and unique markings. The public’s involvement is crucial in this conservation effort, with reported sightings and roadkill reports helping shape future research priorities. You can submit a sighting to CT DEEP via a survey https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/9944df6f490e4837acff51858369c115 or you can call 860-424-3211 to report a deceased gray fox.
Connecticut Expands Recreational Cannabis Access
Connecticut’s recreational cannabis users will soon enjoy increased buying freedom. Starting December 1st, they can purchase up to half an ounce per transaction, thanks to State Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli’s initiative. Notably, this change only affects recreational users, with medical cannabis patient limits unchanged at 5 ounces per month. Residents over 21 can possess up to 1.5 ounces, making the legal cannabis experience more flexible.
Gov. Lamont Addresses Surge in Hate Incidents
Governor Ned Lamont announced a meeting of security officials in Connecticut to address a surge in hate-related incidents on college campuses. Lamont strongly condemned acts of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and hatred, pledging to utilize public safety resources to ensure residents’ safety.
OUR NEIGHBORS
Mystic Christmas
On October 27th, Mystic, Connecticut, embraced the holiday spirit with the premiere of “Mystic Christmas.” Iconic Mystic spots like Olde Mystic Village and Mango Pizza took center stage, alongside the charismatic Cork, a 10-year-old seal from Mystic Aquarium. The heartwarming story follows marine biologist Dr. Juniper Jones, an introvert who rarely stays in one place for long. Her plan to travel the world changes when she answers a call from her best friend, Candice Adams of Mystic Aquarium, to oversee the release of an injured harbor seal. This decision leads to a reunion with Sawyer Adams, Candice’s brother. Juniper and Sawyer’s cordial but cautious reunion prompts the question of whether they can overcome their differences and rekindle their relationship, with a backdrop of holiday magic. If you missed the film’s premiere on the Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas last week you’ll have more opportunities to watch as it will be broadcasted several times during the holiday season. Additionally, you can stream it on Hallmark TV.
Saugatuck Bridge Project’s Second Phase
Prepare for traffic disruptions this weekend as the Saugatuck Bridge project on Interstate 95 advances to its second phase, replacing the southbound bridge using the lateral slide method. Southbound traffic will be redirected to the northbound lanes from Friday evening to Monday morning while crews work to demolish and replace the aging bridge. Drivers are being encouraged to take alternate routes. The project has a target completion date of November 2024.
