POLICE & FIRE
GPD Host ‘Coffee With A Cop’ Event
“Coffee With A Cop” is scheduled for January 22 at CFCF Coffee. It offers residents a chance to engage with local police, ask questions, and learn about police work. The event’s aim is to foster better communication between officers and the community through open conversations. All are welcome from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., showcasing the Greenwich Police Department’s dedication to community understanding.
FROM TOWN HALL
Update Your One Pass for 2024
Residents can access Parks and Recreation services online by applying for or renewing their OnePass and verifying their residency. Online services include registering for recreation programs, obtaining park and tennis passes, reserving tennis courts and facilities, securing golf memberships and tee-time reservations, accessing marine services, purchasing park tickets, enjoying the skatepark, using the ice rink, and swimming at the Byram pool.
GHD Offers Radon Testing
The Greenwich Health Department is providing reduced-cost radon testing services, supported by a state grant. Radon, a natural gas associated with lung cancer after prolonged exposure, can accumulate in homes during the winter. Michael Long, director of the environmental services laboratory, noted that over a decade, half of Greenwich homes exceeded EPA radon limits. Reduced-rate radon tests include air test kits for $45 (usually $69) and water test kits for $51 (usually $80) until February, with one air test per household. Kits are available at the Town Hall laboratory between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday to Friday. Elevated radon levels lead to referrals to certified mitigation companies, prioritizing community health.
AROUND TOWN
Greenwich Considers Changes to Waste Fees
Greenwich officials are planning to review the fees for using the Holly Hill waste transfer center later this year, known as tipping fees, which were introduced in 2020. The Board of Selectmen will discuss potential fee changes in an upcoming meeting. Residential permits for access cost $25 annually, while commercial haulers pay $112 per ton, with these rates unchanged since 2020. The Department of Public Works is considering these fees as part of their budget preparations for the next fiscal year, aiming to align future plans with financial realities. Specific changes to the fees have not been disclosed yet.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Greenwich Invites Non-Profits for Grants
The Town of Greenwich receives federal Community Development Block Grant funds annually. Local non-profit organizations can now submit proposals for these funds for the 2024 program year, running from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, with a focus on serving low and moderate-income clients. Detailed information and the 2024 CDBG application are available online, providing a valuable opportunity for local non-profits to enhance their community impact.
Margo’s Cafe Opens in Cos Cob
Margo’s Cafe has opened in Cos Cob, offering Latin cuisine for takeout and catering. Located at 122 River Road Extension, they serve dishes like empanadas and paella, along with Caribbean coffee in the morning. Explore their menu and place orders at www.margos.cafe.
Freccia Brothers Garage Celebrates Centennial
Freccia Brothers Garage in Greenwich is celebrating its centennial, tracing its history back to the era of horse-drawn carriages. Over five generations, it has evolved into a local institution. The garage is known for its holiday decorations and toy collections for children in need. Mechanics Frank Freccia III and David D’Andrea Jr. are renowned for their skills with air-cooled engines and vintage VWs. Fred Camillo, First Selectman of Greenwich, has declared January 5, 2023, as Freccia Brothers Garage Day to honor their contributions to the community.
Greenwich United Way’s Annual Legislative Breakfast
The Greenwich United Way, serving the community for nearly 90 years, has invested around $75 million in the local community over the last three decades, with a focus on assisting vulnerable residents. Their Needs Assessment program utilizes data to pinpoint areas where assistance is most needed, providing practical solutions for households facing daily challenges. They hold an annual legislative breakfast, bringing together Town officials and state legislators to discuss local human services, featuring State Sen. Ryan Fazio, State Rep. Rachel Khanna, State Rep. Stephen Meskers, and State Rep. Hector Arzeno. This year’s breakfast happened this past Thursday, January 11.
Flinn Gallery Explores ‘Home Sweet Home’
This past Thursday, January 11, the Flinn Gallery launched its exhibition “Home Sweet Home,” exploring the concept of home, which will run until February 28. The exhibition featured various artistic mediums that focused on themes of home, family, and community. It was open to the public, with an opening reception on January 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. Additionally, an artist talk took place on January 21 at 2 p.m. with four of the featured artists. More information about the exhibition and other events at the Flinn Gallery was available on their official website.
Friends of Binney Park Meeting
On January 17, the Friends of Binney Park will host their inaugural annual meeting at the Old Greenwich Firehouse starting at 7:00pm. The primary focus is to reveal the winner of the turtle mascot naming contest, which had an impressive 150+ entries. Winners and runners-up will be acknowledged with plush turtles and recognition. The event is open to anyone interested in Binney Park, taking place from 7:00pm to 8:15pm, with light refreshments available. The evening program includes a brief business meeting, an interview with Helen Delago on Mrs. Edwin Binney’s environmental contributions, and a presentation by Lisa Beebe, the Greenwich Town Arboretum Curator, on her tree labeling work.
Former Post Office Becomes Sweet Shop
In western Greenwich, a former post office building is being transformed after a decade of planning, with approval for 61 additional parking spaces by the Greenwich Planning & Zoning Commission. This space will soon house Sweet Notes, a candy and ice cream shop set to open in time for Valentine’s Day, run by resident Nicole Shalette. Sweet Notes will offer a variety of sweets, including candy, ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes, and gift baskets, along with unique items like “candy salads” and “candy charcuterie boards.”
SCHOOLS
Interim School Safety Director appointed
Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones has appointed Detective Sergeant Brent Reeves as interim school safety director, replacing the retiring Director of School Safety Tom Bobkowski. Bobkowski received recognition for his safety program innovations and relationships with first responders. Dr. Toni Jones expressed well wishes for Bobkowski’s retirement and acknowledged his dedication. Detective Sgt. Brent Reeves, with 26 years of law enforcement experience, takes over, bringing expertise to enhance school safety through technology and experience.
EMS Presents ‘Guys and Dolls’
Eastern Middle School’s Drama Club will stage the musical “Guys and Dolls” at the Lee Book Auditorium on February 1, 2, and 3, with ticket prices at $10 for Thursday and $20 for Friday and Saturday. The production involves about 100 students from grades 6 to 8 and explores the humorous and romantic elements of the story set in various locations. The lead roles feature Jack Kosinski as Nathan Detroit, Conor O’Brien as Lieutenant Brannigan, Olivia Vairo as Adelaide, Kyler Woerz as Sky Masterson, and Lyla Salvatore as Sarah Brown, adding depth with their unexpected love story. The show, produced by Jennifer Badillo and directed by Julia Fama, promises an approximately 2-hour runtime with a 15-minute intermission, and tickets can be purchased online.
Former NCAA Player Addresses Mental Health
Kaleb Joseph, a former NCAA Basketball Player, spoke at Greenwich Country Day School about his experiences with mental health as an athlete. His honest account emphasized the importance of self-awareness and seeking help when necessary. The event was organized by the Sports Psychology Club.
Principal Weiss Takes Medical Leave
Superintendent Toni Jones announced that Principal Christopher Weiss is taking immediate medical leave, with the possibility of an extended absence. The specific reason for his leave was not disclosed. Additionally, Weiss had previously informed district officials that this academic year would be his last as Riverside’s principal. Retired principal Gordon Beinstein will step in as acting principal from January 16 to provide administrative support during this period. Superintendent Jones assured the Riverside community of ongoing updates on the situation and outlined the customary procedures for filling the principal position.
Greenwich BOE Approves 2025 Budget
The Board of Education approved its 2025 operating budget of $192,624,020, which is a 5.6 percent increase from the previous year’s budget. Superintendent Toni Jones initially proposed a higher budget, but discussions led to adjustments, including a $400,000 reduction to align staffing at Greenwich High School with class enrollment. The board also removed the Hamilton Avenue School extended program from the budget due to a clerical error. They increased the per-pupil allocation by $100,000, addressing a long-standing issue of inflation affecting school purchasing power. Some board members questioned the budget increase, but the modifications ultimately reduced the budget by $1.6 million.
SPORTS
Brianna McDermott Scores 1,000 Points
Brianna McDermott, an 11th grader and point guard for the GCDS girls’ varsity basketball team, made history by becoming the first player in the school’s history to score 1,000 points during a game against Proctor Academy on December 9, 2023. Coach Elisa Brown praised McDermott’s scoring ability and versatility. A celebration in her honor occurred on January 6 before a game against Hopkins School, where she received a basketball encased with her name and the 1,000-point milestone from GCDS Director of Athletics Tim Helstein and Head of School Adam Rohdie. In the future, a banner recognizing 1,000 point-scorers, with Brianna McDermott’s name at the top, will be displayed in the gymnasium as construction progresses on The Determination Over Negativity (The DON) Mitchell Family Athletic Center.
Brunswick Hockey Extends Streak Victorious
In an exciting ice hockey match, Brunswick School extended their impressive unbeaten streak to 14 games with a 6-3 victory against Hotchkiss School. Despite trailing 2-1 early in the game, the Bruins displayed resilience and teamwork, with senior co-captain Sean Gibbons delivering a standout performance. This win not only showcases their determination but also highlights the strong camaraderie within the team, which bodes well for their upcoming match against Millbrook School.
Thrilling High School Basketball Game
In a thrilling basketball game between Greenwich High School and Brien McMahon, a roller-coaster of emotions was experienced by both teams and their fans. Greenwich initially held a strong lead for most of the game, but Brien McMahon made a dramatic comeback to take an eight-point lead in the final minutes. However, a last-second 3-pointer by junior guard Ryan Brennan, followed by a crucial free throw, briefly gave Greenwich the lead before Brien McMahon secured a dramatic 61-60 victory with a tipped-in basket at the buzzer. Despite the heartbreaking loss, the players displayed perseverance and determination, leaving the Cardinals eager to bounce back in their upcoming games.
Brunswick Ice Hockey: 10 Wins
Brunswick School’s varsity ice hockey team has been on an impressive winning streak since their season-opener loss to Loomis Chaffee School, remaining unbeaten in their last 13 games. They secured their 10th straight victory with a 6-2 win over Upper Canada College, improving their overall record to 11-1-2. Senior forward Brendan Giles played a pivotal role, scoring a hat trick in the game and contributing to the team’s success.
GHS Girls Basketball Team Displays Resilience
Greenwich High School’s girls basketball team experienced a challenging game against Brien McMahon, ultimately falling 42-38 on the road after a hard-fought win earlier in the week. Despite trailing at halftime and after three quarters, the team rallied in the fourth quarter, with junior Kate Baxendale making a significant impact in the second half. Although the loss was tough, the team maintains an overall record of 5-2, showing resilience and determination in their performance.
GHS Girls’ Basketball Stuns Fairfield
Megan Geiger’s clutch 3-pointer at the buzzer secured a remarkable comeback victory for Greenwich High School’s girls varsity basketball team, as they defeated Fairfield Warde 42-41 in a thrilling FCIAC game. The Cardinals overcame an 18-point deficit in the second half to secure the dramatic one-point win. The team’s balanced scoring effort and tenacious defense contributed to the memorable comeback, with Megan Wax, the Greenwich coach, lauding Geiger’s game-winning shot as an exhilarating moment.
FROM HARTFORD
Justice Department Prepares for Elections
The Justice Department is actively working to ensure that eligible voters can exercise their rights without discrimination or foreign interference during the upcoming federal election cycle. The Civil Rights Division enforces federal voting laws, addressing both civil and criminal violations and collaborating with U.S. Attorneys’ offices nationwide. They enforce various federal statutes aimed at preventing discriminatory election practices and providing assistance to voters with disabilities or language barriers. The Criminal Division oversees the enforcement of election-related federal laws and works with U.S. Attorneys’ offices to prosecute crimes such as ballot destruction and vote-buying. The National Security Division supervises cases related to national security and collaborates with the FBI and U.S. Attorneys’ offices to protect election integrity.
ACROSS CT
Taylor Swift’s ‘Reputation’ Tops Connecticut
A Vegas Gems study reveals Taylor Swift’s “Reputation” as the most searched album in Connecticut with 4,595 monthly searches, possibly due to its expected re-recording after a 2019 rights dispute. “1989” ranks second with 2,768.3 searches, which just had its rerelease on October 27th of last year. “Lover” and “Midnights” follow, with the former being Swift’s first fully owned album and the latter being her most recent studio Album.
CT Library’s 2023 Top Book Trends
In Connecticut during 2023, the novel “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus was the most borrowed book in both physical and digital formats, according to Sarah McCusker, president of the Connecticut Library Association. Other popular books included “Mad Honey” by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan, and “Demon Copperhead” by Barbara Kingsolver in physical form, with digital trends showing a preference for romance novels. The children’s book borrowing spectrum was broader, featuring authors like Dav Pilkey and Jeff Kinney, attributed to the varied series available and new readers consistently joining the audience.
OUR NEIGHBORS
Firelight Event Scheduled in Guilford
In October, “Gilmore Girls” fans will gather in Guilford, Connecticut, for The Firelight Event, previously known as the Gilmore Girls Fan Fest. Scheduled for October 18-20, the event offers attendees the chance to meet cast members and engage in show-themed activities, continuing the tradition of celebrating the series. Jennie and Marcus Whitaker, who initiated these events in 2016, organize them through their company, Wild Berry & Whimsy. The specific agenda for the 2024 event is still pending, with tickets expected to be available in early 2024.
