POLICE & FIRE
Detective Earns Officer Recognition
GPD Detective Justin Rivera was named Officer of the Month for October for his involvement in responding to two incidents within 13 hours. On October 28, he addressed an armed robbery at Tiffany & Co., apprehending the suspect and recovering stolen jewelry, which turned out to be a BB gun. The suspect faced charges, including first-degree robbery. The next day, Rivera responded to a burglary at Saks Fifth Avenue, arresting a suspect who was linked to multiple burglaries. Chief James Heavey praised Rivera for embodying department values, recognizing his contributions to safety in town.
Eddie Graham Named Patrolman of the Year
The Cos Cob Fire Police Patrol and the Cos Cob Volunteer Fire Company held their annual inspection dinner and awards ceremony. Eddie Graham, a member of the Cos Cob Fire Police Patrol, received the Patrolman of the Year award.
Safe & Free Holiday Rides
Greenwich Police and Riverside Service collaborate for safe rides from November 27, 2023, to January 3, 2024. Residents can get a free ride for themselves and their vehicles by calling the Greenwich Police Department Non-Emergency line at (203) 622-8004. The initiative aims to discourage drinking and driving.
Community Effort Donates Gifts Locally
People collaborated to donate and transport over a hundred gifts for Kids in Crisis and Barbara’s House. Those who couldn’t participate can drop off gifts 24/7 in the lobby of the Greenwich Public Safety Complex.
New Firefighters Graduate from CT Academy
Greenwich Fire Department’s new firefighters, Tobia, McFarland, Gilman, and Koenecke, have graduated from the CT Fire Academy. They will begin an in-house training program before joining an operational group.
CT State Police Warn Against Holiday Scams
Connecticut State Police warn residents about holiday scams, advising caution with unsolicited texts or emails pressuring immediate action on accounts. They emphasize verifying emails through official websites and highlight that reputable entities won’t ask for fund withdrawals or gift cards. Additional precautions include using the local post office for checks, checking gas stations for skimming devices, and being cautious of charity scams. Report suspected scams to the local police, and for cryptocurrency issues, contact CSP.VirtualCurrency@ct.gov. Stay informed to protect against holiday scams.
CT Introduces “Bring Me Home” Registry
The Connecticut State Police, in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter, has launched the “Bring Me Back Home” registry, providing law enforcement with crucial information to locate missing individuals swiftly. Wandering poses serious risks, increasing the likelihood of injury or fatality if not addressed within 24 hours, as indicated by Alzheimer’s Association statistics showing that 6 in 10 individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia may wander. Families are urged to register their loved ones on the registry at https://ct.gov/bmbh, containing essential details and a photograph accessible through the Connecticut Online Law Enforcement Communications Teleprocessing (COLLECT) system. This practical solution aids first responders in expediting reunification with families and serves to safeguard vulnerable individuals.
FROM TOWN HALL
Parks & Rec. 12th Annual Snow Sculpture Contest
Parks & Recreation is hosting the 12th Annual Snow Sculpture Contest. Submissions are accepted from the first snowfall until March 1, 2024. Participants are encouraged to create a snow sculpture, take a photo, and submit it for a chance to win a prize from Parks and Recreation. To enter, visit https://www.greenwichct.gov/2351/Snow-Sculpture-Contest. Submissions open when the first snowfall occurs, keep an eye on the weather forecasts.
The Griff Closed for the 2023 Season
The Griffith E. Harris Golf Course closed on December 11 and is set to reopen for the 2024 season in the spring.
Greenwich Gathers Food for Neighbors
The town is aiming to collect 500 pounds of food for Neighbor to Neighbor this holiday season. Collection bins are available at Town Hall, Parks and Recreation Office, Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center, and Dorothy Hamill Skating Rink. Additionally, there’s an online fresh fruit and vegetable drive accessible at https://amplify.ampyourgood.com/user/campaigns/4291. The physical food drive concludes this Saturday, December. 16.
Parking Permit Renewal Updates
The Department of Parking Services manages the annual issuance of parking permits, with a digital renewal process. Renewal applicants for 2023 must submit proof documents for a smooth transition, and missing documents may lead to denial of the 2024 permit. Digital renewals will be available until December 31. All payments from now until the end of the year will incur a $45 late fee as it is after December 1, 2023.
Support Needed for Youth Scholarships
The Parks & Recreation Scholarship Fund is seeking community support during the holidays to help income-eligible families access Town recreation programs for children. These programs focus on outdoor activities and teaching essential life skills. The fund depends on donations from local businesses, community service groups, and individuals. Contributions directly fund scholarships for town youths, and the fund’s non-profit 509(a)1 status allows for tax-deductible donations online or by check.
AROUND TOWN
Town Considers Affordable Housing Development
Plans for an 8-30g affordable housing development on Mason Street are in progress, governed by Connecticut’s affordable housing statute for towns with less than 10% affordable housing. Attorney Tom Heagney and Joshua Caspi of Caspi Development presented the pre-application, encompassing the former Honda site, 405 Greenwich Ave, and a nearby multi-family house on Mason Street. The proposal includes a 6-story building for market-rate units on the east side and a 5-story building on the west side for affordable units. Discussions addressed concerns about unit separation, aesthetics, fire safety, traffic, pedestrian safety, and environmental considerations.
Residential Project Receives Approval
The Planning & Zoning Commission approved a modified residential project at the Greenwich American Center corporate campus, allowing 198 units in a corporate business zone. The Tishman Speyer development group reduced the original proposal of 456 units. Situated on a 154-acre site near North Castle, N.Y., the project features clustered housing while preserving most of the property’s wetlands. Concerns about traffic and parking raised by North Castle prompted collaborative efforts, and developers committed to a financial contribution to Greenwich’s Affordable Trust Fund, highlighting the balance between progress and preservation in corporate landscapes.
USPS Announces Holiday Service Closures
USPS branches will be closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day, affecting retail services, mail delivery, and blue collection boxes. Standard closures will occur on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, both falling on Sundays this year, with no limited hours on the preceding Saturdays. Early blue box collection times are not scheduled on these Saturdays. Post Offices will be closed on December 25 and January 1, with no services for blue collection boxes, residential or business deliveries—except for Priority Mail Express, available in select locations for an extra fee. Regular operations resume on December 26 and January 2, with blue collection boxes unattended on Sundays and federal holidays. Customers are advised to plan postal needs using usps.com, where services like purchasing stamps and shipping labels are available and can explore additional resources in the USPS Holiday Newsroom at usps.com/holidaynews for recommended holiday shipping and mailing dates.
Riverside Property, Home to Ada’s, For Sale
The Romaniello family has decided to sell the property housing “Ada’s” in Riverside, which includes the two-family house and the historic building renovated in 2016 for Ada’s Coffee + Kitchen. Initially planning to lease to a new tenant, the family changed course due to unsolicited interest and publicly listed the property for sale at $3,250,000, including the trade name “Ada’s.” They hope to find a buyer within the Riverside community. The news has sparked disappointment on social media, with an online petition gathering over 3,143 signatures, and the Romaniellos acknowledge the sale marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for their family and the property.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Family Centers Holiday Toy Success
Thanks to volunteers, staff, donors, and community partners, the second annual Family Centers Holiday Toy Chest was successful. Over 1,000 local children received toys, gifts, and joy during the holiday season.
Connecticut Modern Art Exhibition Highlights
The Bruce Museum is hosting the exhibition “Connecticut Modern: Art, Design & the Avant-Garde, 1930–1960” until January 7, 2024. Focused on the impact of various artists during this period, it highlights sculptor Alexander Calder’s role in transforming Connecticut into a haven for Surrealist artists upon his arrival in 1933. The exhibition delves into the influence of Parisian artists seeking refuge during European political unrest, the representation of the Magic Realist movement with artists like Peter Blume and Pavel Tchelitchew, and the extension of Bauhaus influence through Josef and Annie Albers’ settlement in 1950. Connecticut’s role as a hub for art enthusiasts, collectors, and its legacy as a center for contemporary artistic expression are also explored.
United Way Funds Youth Mental Health Program
The Greenwich United Way successfully raised $1.6 million for a youth-focused behavioral health program in partnership with Greenwich Hospital, slated to open in February at 500 W. Putnam Avenue. Ongoing fundraising targets financial barriers to mental healthcare access. Originating from the 2020 Needs Assessment, the collaboration aims to address a recognized mental health service gap. Greenwich United Way CEO David Rabin highlighted ongoing efforts to remove cost barriers, emphasizing the facility’s role in tackling mental health challenges for youth, with HUSKY Health covering a substantial portion of care and additional fees supported by donations. Interested individuals can contribute via a provided link or by calling 203-869-2221.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Forbes Unveils 2024 ’30 Under 30′
Forbes’ 2024 “30 Under 30” list recognizes young talents in 20 industries after evaluating 11,000 candidates based on financial performance, impact, creativity, and potential. Connecticut residents, including Meghan Gupta, a portfolio manager at WorldQuant based in Old Greenwich, earned recognition in various fields. Gupta, with a background in electrical engineering and computer science, began her career at IBM Research, obtaining a U.S. patent. Since joining WorldQuant in 2016, she has contributed to the establishment of the Deep Research team, focusing on advanced algorithms, and she now develops financial strategies using machine learning and artificial intelligence for the $7 billion hedge fund. Gupta’s leadership in a project predicting future price movements highlights her innovative role in the finance and technology intersection.
Ziyi Yan Wins 2024 YoungArts Award
Ziyi Yan, a senior at Greenwich High School, received the 2024 YoungArts award in writing for Spoken Word Poetry, chosen from a pool of over 9,000 applicants in various artistic fields. The selection process involved discipline-specific artists, and YoungArts President Clive Chang acknowledged the institution’s role in shaping artistic visionaries. Ziyi’s journey includes participation in workshops and critiques at renowned institutions, and her written poetry has been featured in international journals.
Isabella DeJoy Joins Phi Kappa Phi
Town resident Isabella DeJoy recently joined The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi after being initiated at Fordham University. Founded in 1897, the society has chapters on over 325 campuses in the U.S., its territories, and the Philippines. Membership is exclusive requiring nomination and approval; limited to top seniors, juniors, and high-performing graduate students, along with faculty, staff, and alumni with scholarly distinction. Phi Kappa Phi’s mission is to recognize and promote academic excellence across all fields of higher education and engage scholars in service to others.
SCHOOLS
Parents Launch Fund for D.C. Trip
Parents from Western, Central, and Eastern middle schools formed the 8th Grade D.C. Trip Fundraising Committee to enable every eighth grader in the Greenwich Public School system to attend a Washington D.C. trip, regardless of financial constraints. Collaborating with partners like the Greenwich Alliance for Education, Pitch Your Peers, and PTAs, the committee is employing a multifaceted approach to secure funds. They will host a live music fundraiser called “Dancing for DC” on January 19, featuring That’s What She Said, with a raffle, cash bar, and complimentary appetizers to support the cause. Contributions to the DC trip fund can be made on the Greenwich Alliance for Education’s website for those unable to attend the event.
Whitby Middle Student Earns Recognition
Nina, a 6th-grader at Whitby Middle School, was awarded the IB Learner Profile for demonstrating core traits outlined by the International Baccalaureate. Peers nominate students throughout the year, and faculty members provide insights for evaluation. One teacher praised Nina for embodying these traits, emphasizing her care, principled approach, and global perspective, particularly her commitment to inclusivity. Academically, Nina is recognized for her diligence, balancing her studies with advanced gymnastics and school sports.
GCDS Families Participate in ‘Celebración’
Greenwich Country Day School families who took part recently in the annual “Celebración Sobre Mexico.” GCDS Grade 4 students and faculty showcased their understanding of Mexican culture through performances, folk art projects, and investigative reports.
Eagle Hill School Donates Care Packages
Eagle Hill School’s community has assembled 25 care packages for Inspirica, filled with toiletries and accompanied by bags made by the Lower School’s sewing class. Dorm students delivered these packages along with a meal prepared by Chef Frett.
SPORTS
Brunswick Bruins Excel in Hockey
The Brunswick School varsity ice hockey team has started its season with a solid 2-1-2 record, including a recent 5-4 victory against Kent. Senior Brendan Giles played a crucial role in the win, earning Player of the Game with two goals, while the team showcased resilience, particularly during a five-minute major penalty. In their subsequent game against Westminster, the Bruins fought to a 2-2 tie, with senior goaltender Will Baker making 40 saves and Giles contributing a game-tying shorthanded goal. The team looks ahead to the St. Sebastian’s Tournament before their first home game on Jan. 5 against Upper Canada College.
Brunswick Wrestlers Dominate Opening Matches
Brunswick School’s varsity wrestling team displayed a strong start to their season with a commanding 63-14 dual meet victory against Avon Old Farms School. Despite missing key starters, the team showcased depth and resilience, securing wins in various weight classes. The Bruins continued their success in the Avon Old Farms Holiday Duals, finishing second with a 3-1 record, and they look forward to testing their skills in a tri-meet against Canterbury School with a current season record of 4-1.
GHS Girls Hockey Shows Resilience
The Greenwich High School girls ice hockey team kicked off their season with a resilient performance, securing a 3-3 tie against the combined Ridgefield/Danbury/Immaculate team. Goals from Junior captain Aubrey Roth, senior Mackenzie Newi, and junior defender Lexi Carino showcased a strong offensive effort. Despite challenges in their second game against Trumbull/St. Joseph, resulting in a 7-1 loss, coach Doug Jebb praised the team’s performance, emphasizing the resilience of a squad with 10 new skaters, a rookie goaltender, and seven freshmen.
Sacred Heart Dominates Greenwich Rival
In a decisive victory, Sacred Heart Greenwich secured an 83-50 win over Greenwich Country Day School in FAA basketball action. Senior guard/forward Payton Sfreddo led the charge with a game-high 27 points, complemented by junior guard Eva Wilkerson’s 17 points. Sacred Heart’s transition game and impressive shooting in the third quarter propelled them to a double-digit lead, showcasing the team’s depth and defensive intensity.
LOCAL POLITICS
RTM Postpones Gas Blower Proposal
The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) voted to postpone the consideration of a proposal on gas-powered leaf blowers until January 2024. The decision was influenced by the recent unanimous vote by the Board of Health to repeal the town’s noise ordinance, which became effective at 12:01 on Monday. RTM Moderator Alexis Voulgaris outlined options for the RTM, and despite the absence of a town noise ordinance and concerns raised by officials, the vote to delay was supported by 141 members, with 50 against and 1 abstention. The community group Quiet Yards Greenwich plans to propose a standalone ordinance in January to address noise and pollution from gas-powered leaf blowers.
RTM Approves Funding for Multi-Use Trail
The Representative Town Meeting approved a $338,000 interim funding request on Monday for the planning and design of a 2.5-mile multi-use trail connecting Greenwich to Stamford. The funds, combined with an agreement between Greenwich and the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, will support the trail’s planning and design. The vote yielded 107 in favor, 78 opposed, and one abstention. Up to 80% of the funds will be reimbursed through a state Recreational Trails Program grant, with the remaining $67,600 split between Greenwich and Stamford. The estimated total cost for the trail is $4 million.
RTM Delays Decision on Hamilton Avenue HVAC System Replacement
The Hamilton Avenue School HVAC system issue prompted a $3.2 million request from school officials to replace the geothermal system with natural gas. The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) decided to postpone the decision, opting for a thorough examination of all options, particularly focusing on costs and environmental impact. While school officials advocated for swift replacement due to operational challenges and lack of expertise, dissenting voices, supported by a “Farnsworth report” from Colorado, favored repairing the current geothermal system. The disagreement extended beyond the RTM, involving climate advocates opposing the abandonment of geothermal for long-term fiscal and environmental reasons.
