POLICE & FIRE
GFD Welcomes Chaplain
Recently, the Greenwich Fire Department introduced its first department Chaplain, David Bennett from the Standwich Church. He was sworn in by First Selectman Camillo. A resident of Greenwich, David also serves as the Chaplain of the Cos Cob Fire Company. The department looks forward to having him as part of the team.
FROM TOWN HALL
Greenwich DPW Secures Federal Grant
The Town of Greenwich DPW secured a $400,000 federal grant, known as Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A), from the USDOT for a safety action plan. The plan involves analyzing transportation data to identify areas needing safety improvements for all modes of transportation, using low-cost strategies and innovative technologies. It will create a toolbox of safety enhancements for future projects, making the town eligible for additional implementation grants. Deputy Commissioner Jim Michel emphasized the funding’s importance in upgrading transportation infrastructure and enhancing safety.
Town Concludes Annual Leaf Collection
The leaf collection program in town has concluded for the year. Residents are reminded not to put leaves on the roadside. Those with a Holly Hill Resource Recovery Facility permit can dispose of extra leaves at the facility.
Greenwich Seeks Concessionaire for Golf
The Town of Greenwich is inviting proposals for a concessionaire to provide food and beverages at the Griffith E. Harris Golf Course. The Request for Proposal (RFP) details can be accessed on the town’s website at https://www.greenwichct.gov/bids.aspx?bidID=453. The deadline for submitting proposals is 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 12, 2024. A pre-proposal site visit is scheduled for Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the golf course, allowing potential respondents to inspect the concession area and discuss RFP requirements.
Town Announces 2024 Residency Renewals
Greenwich residents are urged to update their details for the 2024 residency and OnePass renewals by accessing the WebTrac portal. Modify information such as address, family members, phone numbers, and email addresses in the “Household and Member Update” section and save any changes. If there are alterations to family composition, utilize the “Contact Us” section at the page’s bottom, submit the required information, and click ‘submit.’ Those with no changes can ignore the message, and residency verification for 2024 can be requested from January 1 using existing Town records.
Parks & Rec. Launches Christmas Tree Recycling
Parks and Recreation has created a Christmas tree recycling program which will run from December 26, 2023, to January 31, 2024. Residents are encouraged to recycle undecorated trees by removing ornaments, tinsel, lights, and stands. The Parks & Trees Division will chip the trees for residents to repurpose as mulch or compost, with plans to use retained tree chips in parks for various environmental purposes.
Town Approves 2024 Recreation Fees
The Board of Selectmen approved the 2024 Greenwich Parks & Recreation fee schedule with no significant changes for the upcoming year. Parks & Rec. Director Joe Siciliano presented the proposed fees on Nov. 21, receiving approval on Dec. 17, emphasizing minor, yearly adjustments. The approved fees, effective Jan. 1, 2024, prioritize inclusivity and avoid pricing anyone out, aligning with neighboring municipalities’ fee structures. Notably, the town introduced rental fees for the under-construction Cohen Eastern Greenwich Civic Center, anticipating its opening in spring 2024.
AROUND TOWN
Greenwich Tree Planting Initiative Success
The Town’s Tree Division planted 500 trees in 2023 through a partnership with the Greenwich Tree Conservancy. To contribute to preserving Greenwich’s forest, visit https://greenwichtreeconservancy.org/donate/
Eversource Announces Adjusted Rates
First Selectman Fred Camillo is monitoring the town’s electricity rates and staying in regular contact with Eversource. Eversource has announced a change in the standard service supply rate from 13.82 to 14.71 cents per kilowatt-hour starting January 1, reflecting a lower increase compared to last year’s spike to 24.17 cents.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Greenwich Youths Launch Youth Nonprofit
Greenwich High School juniors Sameera Madan and Jacklyn Pizzella established the nonprofit Leaders of the Next Generation, merging Madan’s environmental advocacy and Pizzella’s focus on youth education following a FaceTime conversation. Despite prior community service involvement, they felt the need for a greater impact, leading to the organization’s formation in July. The nonprofit, supported by around 20 volunteers and 13 ambassadors, aims to raise environmental awareness and provide educational opportunities for youth. In September, they initiated a free tutoring program for students in Stamford Public Schools, involving approximately 25 individuals, expanding their reach beyond Greenwich with out-of-state ambassadors contributing to the organization’s growth.
HOT PHIIT Expands with Greenwich Studio
HOT PHIIT, expanding from Darien and Bronxville, is opening a new studio in Cos Cob in January, incorporating FAR Infrared Technology for therapeutic benefits. Monique Crous and Jessie Lambiase, owners of Darien and Bronxville studios, collaborate on the Greenwich space. Crous, a fitness entrepreneur, highlights the transformative effects of FAR Infrared heat in increasing heart rate and calorie burn. The studio, offering various classes prioritizing joint and muscle health, will open in January at 138 East Putnam Road in Greenwich, with a reduced intro package for Connecticut residents until then.
Greenwich Road Runners Support Community
The Department of Parks and Recreation has received a donation from the Greenwich Road Runners Club. The contribution is intended for youth scholarships and recreational activities. The collaboration between the Department and the Road Runners involves their active participation in organizing the Jim Fixx Memorial Day Races and the Summer Track Clinic.
YMCA Greenwich Opens After-School Program
The YMCA of Greenwich is now accepting applications for its After School Enrichment Program starting on January 2, 2024. Geared towards students in grades K-5, the program focuses on academic support, self-confidence, and character development, offering a variety of activities such as STEM projects, arts and crafts, swimming, coding, and fitness. It operates Monday through Friday from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm until June 21, 2024, with a monthly cost of $595. Busing services are available from New Lebanon, Hamilton Avenue, and Julian Curtiss Elementary Schools, reflecting the YMCA’s commitment to accessibility and community needs.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Tamarack Country Club Welcomes Ballo
Michael Ballo Jr. has been named Head Golf Professional at Tamarack Country Club in Greenwich, Connecticut, starting January 15, 2024. He will oversee golf operations, tournament planning, instruction, and merchandising. Tamarack Country Club, known for its 18-hole championship golf course designed by Charles Banks, currently ranked No. 4 in Connecticut by Golfweek, is undergoing restoration led by Brian Schneider. Ballo Jr., a Class-A PGA member, brings experience from Westchester Country Club and has received praise from Club President Chris Thompson. The Ballo family, with deep golfing roots, was honored as the “Family of the Year” by the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association in 2021.
Ziyi Yan Earns National Recognition
Ziyi Yan, the 2023 State of Connecticut Youth Poet Laureate runner-up, recently announced being named a national YoungArts winner in Writing/Spoken Word, chosen from over 9,000 applicants. YoungArts winners, including Ziyi, receive support for creative and professional development, such as microgrants and presentation opportunities. Additionally, Ziyi’s poem, “Fish,” gained recognition in Poetry Northwest’s “Presenting” showcase, with Senior Editor Xavier Cavazos highlighting its use of musical abstraction and visual whitespace to explore themes of loss in aquatic interactions.
SCHOOLS
CT Launches Automatic College Admission
Governor Lamont, along with Chancellor Cheng and Commissioner Russell-Tucker, recently promoted the Connecticut Automatic Admission Program at New Britain High School. The initiative allows the top 30% of graduating Connecticut high school seniors to gain automatic admission to participating colleges and universities by completing a no-cost application. The program was enacted through legislation in 2021. Administered by CSCU in partnership with Common App, the program has shown positive outcomes, with 2,266 students applying and 18,128 offers of admission in the latest round.
GHS Students Must Retake SAT
Over 100 Greenwich High School students are required to retake the SAT due to a test distribution mix-up on December 2, prompting College Board to void the results. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Toni Jones expressed uncertainty about the origin of the erroneous tests. College Board apologized for the inconvenience, offering affected students the choice of a makeup test on paper or a digital SAT in March, leading to a decision to transition to a digital platform in the spring. The delayed communication about the incident drew criticism, with Jones acknowledging the district should not have solely relied on College Board for swift communication.
Dr. Jennifer Bencivengo Earns Doctorate
Old Greenwich School Principal Dr. Jennifer Bencivengo recently earned her doctoral degree from Sacred Heart University. She successfully defended her dissertation titled “An Improvement Science in Practice: Empowering Parents as Partners in Education in Fostering Lifelong Learners.” The OG PTA organized a surprise celebration to acknowledge her achievement.
SPORTS
GHS Girls Basketball: Undefeated Start
The Greenwich High School girls varsity basketball team has started the 2023-2024 season with a 2-0 record, sparking optimism among the players and coach Megan Wax. The team displayed depth and chemistry in their victories over Wright Tech and Joel Barlow, with senior captains Megan Geiger, Julia Monteiro, and Riana Xhekaj providing leadership and experience. Despite challenges, including Monteiro’s injury, the team showed resilience and teamwork, aiming to make a strong run in the FCIAC and focusing on continuous improvement.
Greenwich Cardinals Triumph in Opener
Greenwich High School’s boys basketball team had a successful season opener, defeating Fairfield Prep 59-48. Senior captains Connor Parkes and Jonathan Brennan played a crucial role, scoring a combined 34 points. Despite facing challenges, including injuries and a relatively young roster, the Cardinals showcased effective defense and adapted well to the new 35-second shot clock, emphasizing their potential for a promising season ahead.
GHS Girls Hockey Determined
Greenwich High School’s girls ice hockey team, despite its youth and inexperience, is aiming high for the season with a mix of freshmen, sophomores, and experienced seniors and juniors. Captains Lindsay Allen and Lila Fulton, along with junior forward Aubrey Roth, lead the team with optimism. While the team has faced challenges in the early part of the season, including a 0-2-1 record, the players and coach Doug Jebb express confidence in the team’s growth and determination to achieve their goals in the FCIAC Tournament and the state tournament.
GA Basketball Eyes Progress
Greenwich Academy’s varsity basketball team showed significant improvement in the 2022-2023 season, earning victories and qualifying for the FAA Tournament for the first time since 2019. Despite a recent loss to Holy Child, the team, led by coach Jordan Griffith, remains focused on building and improving, aiming for a higher playoff seed. Junior point guard Ruby Montanez and senior guard Sydney Dettmer are key players, with Montanez emphasizing the team’s progress in intensity and defense, while Griffith acknowledges the tough early-season competition and expresses optimism for future growth.
LOCAL POLITICS
Long-Serving RTM Members Retire
Two long-serving members of the Representative Town Meeting, Robert May and Thomas Byrne, retired on December 11 after decades of service. May chaired District 12 for 40 years, and Byrne, the longest-serving moderator in RTM history with 26 years, represented District 6. In their final meeting, May and Byrne led the assembly in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, expressing gratitude for the debates on public policy and emphasizing unity. They received recognition, including proclamations from the Connecticut General Assembly, and despite not seeking another term, Byrne contributed as a regular RTM member for one final cycle. The meeting, lasting four hours, concluded just minutes before midnight, marking the end of a chapter in Greenwich’s civic history.
BOE Deadlocked, Selectmen Intervene for Chair
The Board of Education again could not decide on a new chair, leading the Board of Selectmen to intervene. The deadlock involved nominees Karen Hirsh and Karen Kowalski, previously contenders in the initial deadlock. Despite support from Republican member Mercanti-Anthony for Kowalski and Democrat member Stowe for Hirsh, the board remained deadlocked. As the 30-day deadline approached, the Board of Selectmen, led by First Selectman Fred Camillo, is poised to make the decision, reminiscent of their 2016 intervention.
FROM HARTFORD
CT Announces 2024 Tax Relief
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont announced three tax relief measures effective 2024, part of the state budget approved and signed into law during the summer (Public Act 23-204). These include the largest income tax reduction in state history, an increased tax credit for low-income workers, and expanded exemptions for seniors’ pension and annuity earnings. The measures are projected to decrease taxes by about $460.3 million. Governor Lamont highlighted the inclusivity of the measures, aiming to benefit middle-income workers, low-income workers, and seniors, particularly through the income tax rate reduction set for January 1, 2024.
CT Agencies Address Auto Thefts
The Connecticut Insurance Department (CID) and the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) are advising residents to protect their vehicles from theft, particularly targeting specific models of Kia and Hyundai. Recommendations include using a wheel lock or theft device immobilizer and consulting local dealerships for security software updates. CID collaborated with insurance companies to guide affected vehicle owners, stressing the importance of proactive safety measures. Commissioners from CID and DCP emphasized the need for a collective effort to combat the recent surge in auto thefts, encouraging residents to adopt these security measures and stay informed through the provided contact information.
CT Implements Clean Slate Law
Governor Ned Lamont announced the automatic clearance of records for over 80,000 individuals in Connecticut with convictions for certain minor offenses under the Clean Slate Law, signed in 2021. The law aims to remove barriers in employment, education, and housing for those who have completed sentences and maintained a clean record for a specified period. Connecticut’s judicial and executive branches, collaborating with criminal justice stakeholders, upgraded systems over two and a half years to automate the identification and erasure of eligible convictions. Initial estimates suggest about 178,499 offenses from over 80,000 people will be flagged for nondisclosure, with the majority of erasures expected by January 2024.
STATE-WIDE
CT Families Share Festive Moments
Connecticut families spend over 9 hours together on festive activities, according to a survey by Gunther Volkswagen Daytona Beach involving 3,000 families. The preferred activities include holiday movie marathons, viewing Christmas lights, baking cookies, and ice skating. Despite specific activities, 90% of respondents emphasize that the main joy of the festive period is spending time with family.
Patriots Show Modest Fan Growth
A study by My Betting Sites Canada on Instagram follower numbers for all 32 NFL teams revealed the New England Patriots had a 2.6% increase, placing them among the bottom five teams in fan-base growth. In contrast, the Kansas City Chiefs led with a 21.9% rise to nearly 3.2 million followers, attributed to their association with Taylor Swift and tight end Travis Kelce. Other teams influenced by celebrity associations include the New York Jets (21.1% increase), the Philadelphia Eagles (20.9% growth), the Miami Dolphins (19.3% increase), and the Detroit Lions (16.7% growth).
Quaker Oats Issues Nationwide Recall
Quaker Oats announced on December 15th that its products, distributed nationwide and in Puerto Rico, are subject to a recall. The list of recalled items and their best-by dates can be found on Quaker Oats’ website. Consumers are advised to check their pantry for the flagged products and dispose of them accordingly. Quaker reports no confirmed illness linked to the recalled products, including those potentially affected by Salmonella, which can, in rare cases, lead to severe conditions. No such severe illnesses have been associated with the recalled products to date, according to Quaker Oats.
