POLICE & FIRE
2023-2024 Leadership Team Announced for CCFPP
The Cos Cob Fire Police Patrol has announced its leadership team for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, commencing on November 8, 2023. The team includes the Service Board, with Chief Alexander Sachs, Captain Brian Kelly, 1st Lieutenant Robert Wilson, 2nd Lieutenant Eddie Graham, and Sergeant Luis Alarcon; the Executive Board, featuring President Stephanie Dunn Ashley, Vice President Scott Magnusson, Secretary W. Christian Andersen, Jr., Treasurer Felix Dostmann, Assistant Secretary Luis Alarcon, and Assistant Treasurer Leland Graham; and the Board of Directors, comprising Sebastian Dostmann, D. Peter Yeskey, and A. Pat Mead, Jr. Chief Joe McHugh of the Greenwich Fire Department administered the oath of office to the members.
Santa, Grinch, & Volunteers Spread Christmas Cheer
Santa and the Cos Cob Fire Police volunteers, along with the Grinch, are back to spread Christmas cheer. To participate, donate $300 to the Cos Cob Fire Police Patrol, choose a date, and drop off wrapped gifts at the firehouse. Santa and the Grinch will arrive in a fire truck to bring joy to your child’s eyes. This event takes place on weekends in December, with an additional visit on December 25th for a larger donation. Sign up at CCFPP.ORG.
Chief Heavey Recognizes Livingston and Santos
Chief Heavey acknowledged Officer Livingston and Dispatcher Santos for successfully completing their probationary period, presenting them with letters of achievement. Officer Livingston has demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and teamwork throughout his tenure, while Dispatcher Santos has proven reliability in managing emergency calls and coordinating responses effectively.
First Responders Compete in Battle of the Badges
In town, first responders from the Police Department, Fire Department, and Emergency Medical Service are participating in the annual Battle of the Badges competition to donate blood to the American Red Cross. Donors can select the department they wish to support, and the one with the most blood donations will be declared the winner. This year is noteworthy as Police Chief James Heavey marks his 100th blood donation. The blood drive is scheduled for December 2nd, and additional details can be found on the Red Cross of Greenwich and Metro NY North website.
Greenwich Police Launch “Stuff-A-Cruiser”
The Greenwich Police Department is hosting “Stuff-A-Cruiser” on December 2nd in front of Greenwich Public Schools to collect new gifts for local needy youth during the holiday season, launching their toy drive that runs until December 22nd. On the same day, the annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive will take place at the Public Safety Complex across the street. If you can’t attend on December 2nd, you can still contribute by leaving gifts in the lobby of the Town of Greenwich Public Safety Complex from December 2nd to December 22nd.
FROM TOWN HALL
Greenwich Resident Satisfaction Survey Underway
The Town of Greenwich is conducting a resident satisfaction survey with the help of Probolsky Research, aiming for a sample size of 400 residents for a 95% confidence level. The survey will be conducted through various channels, including phone, online, direct mail, and digital outreach. This survey has been conducted every two years since 2014, with questions remaining consistent to track trends and inform town decisions. Results will be available to the public in late December, and inquiries can be directed to Wendy Zhou at wendy.zhou@greenwichct.org.
Greenwich DPW Secures $400,000 Safety Grant
The Greenwich Department of Public Works has secured a $400,000 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program to improve road safety across various modes of transportation. The grant will fund data collection and analysis to identify areas in need of safety improvements for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. The plan aims to explore cost-effective strategies and innovative technologies to enhance safety and create a toolbox of safety measures for future projects. Additionally, this plan will make Greenwich eligible for future implementation grants, supporting improvements to the town’s transportation infrastructure.
Greenwich Launches Shell Recycling Program
Greenwich has initiated the Shell Recycling Program to return oyster shells from local restaurants to the Long Island Sound, benefiting oyster reefs and shellfishing sustainability. Partnering with the Collective Oyster Recycling and Restoration (CORR), the program collects shells from eateries, cleaning and reintroducing them to restore local oyster beds. This effort supports water quality, marine habitats, and the shellfishing industry, addressing Connecticut’s waste problem. Local restaurants can participate by providing shells to CORR, while residents should refrain from independent shell disposal. The initiative is actively recruiting restaurants, and more information is available at www.corr-ct.org or wastefreegreenwich@gmail.com.
AROUND TOWN
Holiday Roadwork Pause in Greenwich
Roadwork activities in downtown Greenwich, Old Greenwich, Riverside, Cos Cob, Byram, and Glenville central business districts will be suspended from November 20, 2023, to January 2, 2024, to ease traffic during the holiday shopping season. During this time, road openings, excavations, sidewalk blockages, and parking disruptions will not be allowed except for emergency work. The decision was made by Peter Kurpeawski, the Highway Superintendent of the Town of Greenwich’s Department of Public Works, to minimize disruptions to retail businesses and shoppers in these areas.
Eversource Redesigned Electric Bills
Eversource Energy is introducing redesigned electric bills for residential customers with single service accounts to improve bill clarity. The changes will not impact bill amounts but may cause confusion due to the new format. Eversource will use emails, paper bill inserts, a video on their website, and social media to inform customers about these changes. For inquiries, customers can contact Eversource at 1-800-286-2000.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Cos Cob Library Expansion Envisioned
Library officials and the community are collaborating to expand the Cos Cob Library, which has remained largely unchanged much since it was built in 1999. The plan adds 1,120 square feet to meet space demands, with Joe Williams, the Greenwich Library director, emphasizing community engagement. The renovation includes expanding into the parking lot for a larger community room, reconfiguring the interior, and improving accessibility. Donations will fund most of the project, and Carla Sherman will be the new branch manager, known for her virtual programming work.
Greenwich Lions: Ruby Red Grapefruits
Greenwich Lions is offering Texas ruby red grapefruits priced at $33 per case, with only 650 cases available. These fruits will be sold at various locations across town, with proceeds supporting local health and human services programs. The grapefruits have been available since this past Monday.
Bruce Museum Presents Rare Hockney Art
The Bruce Museum is unveiling “Hockney/Origins: Early Works from the Roy B. and Edith J. Simpson Collection,” which features 16 rare artworks by David Hockney from 1961 to 1980. The exhibition explores diverse mediums and recurring themes in Hockney’s career, including “A Grand Procession of Dignitaries in the Semi-Egyptian Style” and pieces from his “Paper Pools” series. Drawn from the Simpson Collection, the exhibition reflects their generosity, and Edith J. Simpson hopes it enriches visitors’ lives and supports local businesses. Curated by Margarita Karasoulas, it celebrates David Hockney’s enduring influence and artistic journey.
Community Unites to Pack Nutritious Food
Last Sunday, volunteers from various age groups gathered at Christ Church Greenwich to pack nutritious food for those in need. The event, called the Emergency International Food Relief Packathon, included families with children who worked in shifts for two and a half hours. Volunteers weighed, sealed, and prepared food packages for distribution. This effort aims to provide straightforward and efficient assistance to children and families in international locations facing food insecurity and homelessness.
Haircut Place Owner Finds New Location
John Hilton, the former owner of The Haircut Place in Old Greenwich, had to close his business due to a rent increase; however, he relocated to 146 Sound Beach Ave, sharing a commercial building with the OG Social Club. Harriet Skroubelos, the owner of Harriet’s Hair Bar @ My Suite Boutique, welcomed Hilton into her space, where she had created separate rooms for COVID-19 safety. Hilton now operates his business there, and Skroubelos focuses on individual appointments for hair services.
Greenwich Parks & Recreation Food Drive
Greenwich Parks and Recreation is partnering with Neighbor to Neighbor for a holiday food drive, providing collection bins at various locations for non-perishable food donations. They are also offering an online fresh fruit and vegetable drive through their website. The physical food drive starts on November 26 and ends on December 16.
Waste Free Greenwich’s Great Pumpkin Rescue
Waste Free Greenwich is hosting its second annual Great Pumpkin Rescue on November 18th at Living Hope Community Church in Old Greenwich, sponsored by Curbside Compost. The event aims to collect pumpkins for composting and raise awareness about food waste. Last year, they diverted 2,000 pounds of pumpkins from landfills. The event includes family-friendly activities, a composting demonstration, and only accepts jack-o’-lanterns, pumpkins, and gourds without decorative embellishments like paint or candles. Pumpkins can also be dropped off at a designated area or used for backyard composting. Visit the Waste Free Greenwich website for more information.
Explore ‘Connecticut Modern’ at Bruce Museum
The Bruce Museum is hosting an exhibition titled “Connecticut Modern: Art, Design & the Avant-Garde, 1930–1960” until January 7, 2024. The exhibition highlights Connecticut’s role as a haven for Surrealist and Bauhaus artists during the 1930s and 1940s, featuring notable figures like Alexander Calder, Yves Tanguy, and Josef Albers. It also explores the influence of the Magic Realist movement in the state and the contributions of key art world figures such as Katherine Dreier and A. Everett “Chick” Austin. The exhibition concludes by showcasing works from renowned artists like Robert Motherwell and Jasper Johns, with text available in both English and Spanish.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Greenwich Student Leads Environmental Cleanup
Thomas McKinney, an 11th-grade student at Greenwich High School, is an advocate for environmental conservation. He has organized multiple community clean-up events, with the latest one in partnership with Greenwich Green & Clean collecting 44 pounds of trash at Binney Park. Another clean-up event is planned for November 18th at Cos Cob Park. McKinney’s dedication to environmental protection began when he discovered “Plogging,” a practice involving picking up trash while jogging. McKinney plans to continue organizing clean-up events into 2024.
Andrew Hanna Wins Grand Champion
Greenwich’s Andrew Hanna won the Grand Champion title in the 26th Annual Chevron Tractor Restoration Competition for his restoration of a 1942 Farmall M tractor. He completed the project as part of his senior year at Greenwich High School and received a $10,000 prize. The competition took place during the 2023 National Future Farmers of America Expo in Indianapolis. The evaluation criteria included the overall restoration process, safety measures, results, documentation, and oral presentation, with judges consisting of industry experts and former competition champions.
SCHOOLS
Middle School Students Raise $1,450
Western Middle School students raised $1,450 for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation through pink accessory sales and online fundraising during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This marked their highest fundraising achievement in the event’s four-year history.
Author Neal Shusterman Kicks Off GCDS Bookapalooza
Greenwich Country Day School’s Middle School began its Bookapalooza event with an author visit from Neal Shusterman. Shusterman’s latest book, “Courage to Dream,” is a graphic novel that combines history and fantasy to explore the Holocaust. This graphic novel is among the many books available in Bookapalooza, a program at GCDS that encourages reading during Thanksgiving Break.
GA Halves Enrollment Expansion
Greenwich Academy is reducing its planned enrollment expansion by half, from 100 to 50 students, in response to concerns about traffic congestion in the local community. The school has made adjustments to drop-off procedures and expanded its bus services to address these concerns. The institution’s current enrollment cap is 730 students, set by the Planning & Zoning Commission in 2000, and any expansion requires commission approval. The school is committed to meeting local demand for enrollment while minimizing traffic impact. The enrollment expansion application is pending review.
SPORTS
GA Celebrates Senior Athletes
Greenwich Academy celebrated National Signing Day on November 8th, honoring senior athletes who have committed to competing at Division I colleges and universities. The student-athletes recognized include Adair Beck (Brown University, crew), Casey Brower (Elon University, volleyball), Phelan Bryant (Dartmouth College, crew), Gigi Caldero (Yale University, field hockey), Dylan Casazza (Princeton University, lacrosse), Molly Moore (University of Notre Dame, lacrosse), Callaghan Nickerson (Boston College, crew), Maya Tillman (San Diego State University, lacrosse), Percy Wayne (Princeton University, crew), and Grace Wu (Yale University, diving).
Three GCDS Tigers Commit to College Sports
On November 8th, three Greenwich Country Day School Tigers signed commitment letters for college sports. Ella Davis (Boston College, crew), Harley Goodner (Duke University, basketball), and Chris Takita (Stonehill College, basketball).
GHS Cheerleaders Host Fashion Show Fundraiser
Last week, Greenwich High School’s senior cheerleaders organized a fashion show fundraiser at Fairview Country Club on November 11th. They showcased fashion from Mixology in Rye Brook and LoveShack Fancy on Greenwich Avenue while football players accompanied them. The event featured beverages, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, raffles, and raised funds for the GHS Cheerleading program. Head Coach Julie Vyskocil expressed hope for their competition season.
Lily Lyons Sets Cross Country Record
Lily Lyons, a Greenwich Academy sophomore, won the NEPSTA Division I cross country race at Loomis Chaffee School with a record-setting time of 18:15 in the 5000-meter race. She finished ahead of second-place finisher Tenley Nelson by six seconds. Greenwich Academy placed 10th in the team standings, with Phillips Exeter Academy capturing the team title.
King School Defends FAA Title
King School won the FAA Volleyball Tournament final against Sacred Heart Greenwich with a 3-1 victory, successfully defending their title and avenging their only loss of the season. King claimed victory by winning the final three sets after Sacred Heart won the first set. The match showcased King’s strong performance, and Sacred Heart’s coach praised both teams’ sportsmanship and accomplishments in a tough match.
Brunswick Kicker’s Late Field Goal
Brunswick School junior place kicker Oliver Reynolds made a game-winning 29-yard field goal with two seconds remaining, giving his team a dramatic 24-22 comeback victory over Williston Northampton. The win helped Brunswick finish its 2023 season with a 5-4 record after facing adversity earlier in the season. Williston Northampton needed the win to qualify for a NEPSAC Bowl game but ended its season with a 5-4 mark, and Brunswick celebrated the victory as the fans stormed the field.
GHS Boys Soccer Stuns Glastonbury
In a thrilling CIAC Class LL quarterfinal-round game, the Greenwich High School boys’ soccer team secured a 2-1 comeback victory over Glastonbury, with second-half goals from Charlie Fiore and Nick Hvatum. The defending state champion Cardinals are now one win away from reaching the Class LL Tournament semifinals, where they will face Stamford. Despite trailing 1-0 at halftime, Greenwich displayed strong teamwork and defensive resilience to secure the dramatic win and continue their impressive postseason run.
Greenwich Cardinals Dominate Ridgefield 35-0
Greenwich’s Senior Night football game against Ridgefield resulted in a dominant 35-0 win for the Cardinals, who remain undefeated at 9-0. Senior running back Ian Kim scored three touchdowns, senior quarterback Rocco Grillo threw two touchdown passes, and senior wide receivers Gavyn Gennarelli and Brandon Auguste contributed with TD receptions. The Cardinals’ strong defensive performance, with three shutouts in the season and a focus on shutting down Ridgefield’s offense, sets them up for their upcoming Thanksgiving Day game against Staples, a rivalry they aim to win after falling short the previous year.
Sacred Heart Wins FAA Championship
In a thrilling FAA Soccer Tournament final between Sacred Heart Greenwich and Greens Farms Academy, the match ended in a tie after regulation and overtime. The victor was determined through penalty kicks, with Sacred Heart winning 2-1 to become the 2023 FAA champion. The victory marked Sacred Heart’s first league tournament championship since 2014, capping off a memorable season for the team.
GA Repeats FAA Triumph
Greenwich Academy’s varsity field hockey team won the FAA Tournament for the second consecutive year, defeating Sacred Heart Greenwich 2-0 in a closely contested match. Junior forward Lavinia Cartellieri scored both goals for GA. The victory marked another chapter in the intense rivalry between the two schools, with GA emerging as the champions this time.
GHS Girls Volleyball Advances to Quarterfinals
Greenwich High School continued its impressive volleyball performance by defeating sixth-seeded Newtown 3-1 in the CIAC Class LL Tournament Round of 16, despite losing the first set. Senior Kassidy Bonney led the way with 20 kills, while junior Alina Sarkissian contributed 15 kills. Setter Sarah Bernann had 44 assists, and the team’s strong defensive effort included 20 digs from senior libero Hayley Dionis. A victory against Southington would advance Greenwich to the Class LL semifinals.
GCDS Advances to FAA Championship
Greenwich Country Day School’s boys’ varsity team is on the verge of winning the FAA championship after defeating the second-seeded Greens Farms Academy 4-2 in the semifinals. They will face the fourth-seeded St. Luke’s School in the championship game today at 12:30 p.m. Gael Hernandez, Mateo Sierra, and Calder Truesdale played crucial roles in securing the victory for GCDS.
GHS Boys Soccer Advances in Overtime
Greenwich High School’s boys’ soccer team advanced to the Class LL quarterfinals with a 2-1 overtime victory against Shelton. Senior captain Maximo Ferrario scored the game-winning goal in the 97th minute with a free kick. Greenwich will now face Glastonbury in the quarterfinals, and the team’s experience from last year’s championship run in overtime matches has contributed to their resilience and success in this year’s tournament.
Greenwich Soars to LL Quarterfinals
Greenwich advanced to the CIAC Class LL Girls’ Soccer Tournament quarterfinals with a 3-1 victory over Southington. Senior forward Julia Acosta scored two goals and assisted on another, while Emma Abbazia contributed one goal and one assist in the win.
Greenwich Girls Cross Country Triumph
The Greenwich High School girls’ cross country team achieved another team title, winning the CIAC State Open Championships with 95 points, making history by capturing their first State Open title since 1982. Senior Esme Daplyn led the team with a 10th-place finish, and senior Kate Friedman finished 14th. The team’s success this season included victories at the FCIAC and Class LL Championships, marking a historic year for the Cardinals.
FROM HARTFORD
Beware of Holiday Traffic
AAA’s latest projections indicate a notable increase in Thanksgiving travel, with 55.4 million Americans planning trips of 50 miles or more, representing a 2.3% rise from the previous year. This places it as the third-highest Thanksgiving travel season in recorded history. INRIX has cautioned about significant road congestion on November 22nd and recommends that travelers consider departing early in the morning or after 6 p.m. to avoid peak holiday traffic, as travel times could be up to 80% higher than usual in certain metropolitan areas.
Connecticut’s Hunting Season: Know Regulations
Connecticut’s hunting season runs from October to December and is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). Hunters can access an interactive map of public hunting areas, including state forests and wildlife management zones on the CT DEEP website. Permission requirements vary for hunting on private property. Each species has designated hunting seasons and bag limits, with turkey and deer hunters required to report their kills. Hunting licenses are mandatory and can be obtained online, with costs based on residency and type.
AG William Tong Supports Texas Plaintiffs
Attorney General William Tong and a coalition of 21 attorneys general have filed an amicus brief in support of plaintiffs in the Zurawski v Texas case, addressing access to emergency medical care in Texas. The lawsuit involves 15 Texan women challenging the state’s anti-abortion laws. The coalition argues that these laws could impact healthcare systems in neighboring states. The legal battle began in March, with a temporary halt to Texas’s abortion ban in emergency medical cases, and Texas is now appealing to the state’s supreme court. The coalition’s amicus brief highlights concerns about the impact on pregnant patients’ lives and the strain on out-of-state facilities.
Governor Lamont Nominates Daniel O’Keefe
Governor Ned Lamont named Daniel O’Keefe as the nominee for the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) commissioner, succeeding Alexandra Daum, who will leave for Yale University. O’Keefe, the current chief innovation officer, will continue until a successor is chosen. Before public service, O’Keefe had a 25-year career as a technology investor. Governor Lamont expressed confidence in O’Keefe’s ability to boost economic growth, while O’Keefe highlighted Connecticut’s strengths. Daum’s tenure was lauded for her community development efforts, and O’Keefe’s nomination will go before the Connecticut General Assembly in 2024.
OUR NEIGHBORS
Yale Scientist Discovers Ancient Quasar
Yale’s Priyamvada Natarajan and her team discovered the ancient quasar UHZ1, which existed just 450 million years after the Big Bang, using advanced space telescopes. This finding sheds light on the early universe, indicating active star formation and significant growth of supermassive black holes. Quasars, powered by supermassive black holes, were more common in the early universe and formed before galaxies like the Milky Way. Natarajan’s 2017 hypothesis that dense gas clouds could directly become black holes without star formation aligns with UHZ1’s characteristics, suggesting that black holes can form independently of stars. This research enhances our understanding of galaxy formation and the role of black holes.
