POLICE & FIRE
The Greenwich Police Department has upgraded its fleet with new Tahoes. Three Tahoes are currently on patrol, and more are expected soon. Keep an eye out for the new cars.
Chief James Heavey presented Detective Justin Rivera with his gold Detective badge, signifying the completion of his six-month training period. Rivera, who has served in the Greenwich Police Department for twelve years, is now a member of the Detective Division. He will investigate crimes such as burglaries, robberies, and financial offenses as part of the Investigations Section, in line with the department’s mission of providing law enforcement services while adhering to constitutional principles.
Stamford firefighters responded to a collision on Interstate 95, involving multiple vehicles, including a dump truck and a tractor-trailer, between Exits 8-9 at 11:00 AM. The trapped dump truck driver was rescued by over 40 personnel from Stamford and Greenwich Fire Departments with support from additional units including Greenwich Fire Department, Sound Beach Fire Department, taking just over an hour. The driver, conscious throughout, was transported to Stamford Hospital by EMS, while two occupants of passenger vehicles sustained minor injuries. The Connecticut State Police are investigating, with various agencies providing support at the scene, showcasing community cooperation.
Early Tuesday morning, Greenwich Professional Firefighters responded to a structure fire on North Water Street in the Byram area. Engine 3 arrived to find a large 6,500 square foot building ablaze. Firefighters quickly initiated a coordinated attack and conducted searches of the burning structure and nearby buildings. Four hoses were used to bring the fire under control. No injuries were reported among civilians or firefighters. The Greenwich Fire Marshal’s Office will investigate the cause of the fire.
FROM TOWN HALL
The proposed Greenwich Communities development at 0 Strickland Road will be discussed at a rescheduled community forum on March 11 at the Town Hall in the Meeting Room with a Zoom livestream available. While not officially organized by the town, the forum aims to address concerns and provide accurate information, particularly regarding traffic and density issues.
AROUND TOWN
Due to construction at the Greenwich High School baseball field, it will be closed this spring. As a result, the varsity baseball team will play their matches at Havemeyer Field for the season. Havemeyer Field is being temporarily reconfigured to accommodate the GHS Baseball team.
The Greenwich Skatepark located in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park is now open. The Skate Park allows skateboarders and scooter enthusiasts the opportunity to skate and ride. Entry fees are $5 for a single day and $30 for a month. In March, the park is open on Saturdays, Sundays, and GPS school holidays from 12pm to 4pm.
Beware of a new SAT scam. Parents prioritize their children’s academic success, particularly concerning tests like the SAT and ACT that influence college admissions and scholarships. Scammers exploit this by impersonating trustworthy entities such as the College Board, persuading parents to pay for non-existent test prep materials. To avoid such scams, parents should verify callers’ legitimacy and refrain from sharing sensitive information or making payments without confirmation from their child.
Greenwich Harbor faces silt accumulation issues due to neglect, prompting plans for dredging. One proposed solution involves burying the silt deeper using a CAD cell, with contaminated soils excavated onto barges and clean soil covering them. Although $500,000 for soil testing is secured, uncertainties persist regarding the timeline and cost, to be shared between the federal government and the town, yet officials are committed to finding a solution.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
The International School at Dundee and its Parent Teacher Association are organizing the seventh Greenwich Color Challenge on April 6, 2024, at 55 Florence Road in Riverside, starting at 9 a.m. This event entails a 1.5-mile trek with obstacles and color stations, promoting community engagement and athleticism. Registration is open until April 3, with a fee of $40 for participants aged five and above, and attendees will receive a themed t-shirt, sunglasses, and a backpack while supplies last.
An art exhibition featuring four local Connecticut artists, including David and Dollka Morico, Joe Bender, and Bryn Craven, will be held at The J House Greenwich. Attendees can enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres while appreciating the artists’ distinct perspectives, with a portion of ticket proceeds supporting the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. The exhibition kicks off with a reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on March 12 and runs until early April at The J House Greenwich, located at 1114 E. Putnam Avenue in Greenwich, Conn.
Living Hope Community Church, formerly known as the Presbyterian Church of Old Greenwich, has appointed Reverend Jason Pankau as its new Senior Pastor and Head of Staff, bringing diverse church and ministry experience emphasizing leadership and community engagement. Situated in Old Greenwich, the church offers various activities such as the Farmer’s Market and bible studies. Pastor Jason, alongside his wife Jen, anticipates returning to Greenwich with their children, with his inaugural sermon scheduled for Palm Sunday at 38 West End Avenue.
A $30,000 grant from the Greenwich United Way facilitated a spring trip to Washington, D.C., for dozens of eighth-grade students from Greenwich Public Schools, covering trip fees and providing stipends to 80 qualifying students. Collaboration between the Greenwich United Way, Greenwich Alliance for Education, and the D.C. Committee ensured the trip’s realization, aligning with efforts to bridge the achievement gap and offer equal educational opportunities.
Mike’s Organic in Cos Cob closed on March 3rd due to rising costs and challenges in the business environment. Founder Mike Geller expressed both sadness and gratitude for the connections made with customers over the years.
The Greenwich Town Party is seeking local bands to perform at this year’s event on May 25th. Musicians from Greenwich, regardless of age or skill level, are encouraged to apply before March 11th. Selected bands will receive professional-grade stage equipment and two general admission tickets per member. Details about the event’s theme and professional lineup are yet to be announced. Interested musicians can find more information and application forms on the Greenwich Town Party website.
The Greenwich United Way granted over $30,000 to sponsor 80 eighth-grade students from Greenwich Public Schools on a trip to Washington, D.C., aiming to bridge the local achievement gap. David Rabin emphasized the grant’s importance in assisting financially struggling students, covering the $809 trip cost. Gia Burton expressed appreciation for ensuring all students can participate, while the tradition of the trip focuses on civic education and community building.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Thomas Byrne was named Grand Marshal for the 48th annual Greenwich St. Patrick’s Parade during the Greenwich Hibernian Association’s St. Patrick’s dinner dance on March 2, receiving his sash from President Haydn O’Shea and the previous Grand Marshal, Kevin McFadden. The parade is scheduled for March 17 at 2:00 p.m., featuring 13 bands, community groups, and local authorities, with a route stretching from Greenwich Town Hall through Field Point Road, Route 1, and Greenwich Avenue, with updates available on the Greenwich Hibernian’s website.
Governor Ned Lamont announced 22 nominees for judicial positions in the Connecticut Superior Court, and one nominee for a family support magistrate position, including John Regan, 62, from Old Greenwich, who graduated from Siena College and Quinnipiac University School of Law. Regan, a solo practitioner at the Law Office of John Regan, handles civil and criminal litigation, housing, and juvenile matters, and chairs the St. John Urban Development Corporation. Nominations now await review by the General Assembly.
Greenwich resident Patricia Gallardo and her friend Saima Rathor founded EpicLight Beauty, aiming to cater to women over 35 and address perceived market underrepresentation. Their product was featured in gift bags for Oscar nominees at the 96th Academy Awards, marking their second appearance at the event, and has gained traction among celebrities since their inception in 2022.
SCHOOLS
Sacred Heart Greenwich hosted Vera Wang earlier this week. Wang shared her career journey with the Upper and Middle School communities, discussing excellence in various aspects of life. She encouraged students to pursue their aspirations without fear of failure and emphasized the importance of finding one’s voice and living authentically.
Upper School students at Sacred Heart Greenwich impressed audiences with their production of Newsies. Their performance showcased their dedication and unity as a group. Michaela Gorman, Danielle Gennaro, Gabby Giacomo, and Sean Lowery played key roles behind the scenes, contributing significant time and effort to support the cast and crew.
Savan, Edward, Vasiliki, and Alex have earned a place on the Honor Roll of the Mathematical Association of America. Their strong performance on the American Mathematics Competition 8 ranks them in the top 5% of competitors nationwide. Savan and Alex will advance to the MathCounts State Competition, representing Whitby School.
Greenwich High School’s Theater Department, under the direction of Richard Kohn, is staging two winter productions: “Steel Magnolias” and “Death of a Salesman,” departing from their usual single-play focus. Students from the Theater Workshop elective are involved, with roles in both plays double-cast to encourage collaboration. A matinee performance of “Death of a Salesman” on March 7th aims to broaden the audience, with discounted tickets available for students, while “Steel Magnolias” and “Death of a Salesman” will be performed on various dates in March at the Black Box Theater in Greenwich High School.
Julian Curtiss School hosted a performance of Disney’s “Frozen Kids” by fourth and fifth-grade students on Thursday, March 7 at 6:30 p.m., involving 23 student performers, six crew members, and three faculty members, led by Sandra Grandinetti. Financial backing from the Greenwich Alliance for Education facilitated the establishment of the Julian Curtiss Theater Program.
The 37th annual Greenwich High School Jazz Festival will occur on March 23rd, beginning at 8:50 a.m. with performances by the GHS Jazz Ensemble and featuring bands from the eastern seaboard. Masterclasses led by renowned musicians will take place at noon, followed by a performance at 1 p.m., and awards will be presented at 6:40 p.m. Entrance fees are $10 for adults and $5 for students, with the event schedule available online, hosted at Greenwich High School’s Performing Arts Center.
The Greenwich Public Schools Board of Education set the graduation date for this year’s seniors on June 18. Superintendent Toni Jones informed families on February 23, allowing them to plan ahead. The last day of school for other students is June 24 for grades six and nine, including five snow days, and June 25 for the rest. If there are fewer than five snow days, students will finish school earlier. Commencement dates for seniors at other Greenwich schools are as follows: Brunswick School, May 22; Greenwich Academy, May 23; Sacred Heart Greenwich, June 7; Greenwich Country Day School, June 6.
SPORTS
The YMCA of Greenwich hosted its 3rd Annual Game On Tournament, drawing 23 teams and raising $10,000 for the YMCA’s Summer Camp Scholarship Program. Divided into Freshman, Junior, and Senior divisions, the event showcased talent and fostered community support. Winners included Liam and Gavin Steinberg, Grayson and Gavin Steinberg, and Trent and TW Goodwin, highlighting the tournament’s impact on youth development in Greenwich.
The Greenwich High School Alpine Race Team concluded their 2024 season at the State Championship in Southington, CT. Competing against fourteen high schools, they showcased their skills in a modified Giant Slalom event, with notable performances from senior Tommy Ybarra and sophomore Mariam Fahimi. Reflecting on the season, Ybarra expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress, which saw the men’s team finish first in the regular season and the women’s team steadily improving. Additionally, Ybarra, Fahimi, and ten other racers qualified for Team Connecticut at the upcoming Eastern High School Championships in New Hampshire.
The Sacred Heart Greenwich basketball team had an outstanding 2023-2024 season, winning the FAA regular season title and the FAA Tournament championship, but fell short in the NEPSAC Class A Tournament semifinals. Despite the loss, the team’s achievements, including a 20-6 record, and the contributions of its seniors, were celebrated, marking a memorable and historic season.
Greenwich High School’s boys basketball team rallied in the second half against Fairfield Prep, with senior point guard Connor Parkes leading the charge with 19 of his 25 points, securing a 60-47 victory and a spot in the CIAC Division I Tournament’s Round of 16. Despite a rocky start, Greenwich’s improved offensive execution and solid defense propelled them to victory, setting the stage for a challenging matchup against undefeated Notre Dame-West Haven in the next round.
Greenwich Academy senior Grace Wu concluded her diving career in championship fashion, breaking three records at the New England Prep School Swimming Association Division I Diving Championships with a score of 533.25 points on the 1-meter board. Wu’s stellar performance marked her third consecutive NEPSSA Division I diving title win, continuing her streak of success at the competition.
Greenwich’s victory at the FCIAC Swimming Championships was attributed to their remarkable depth, enabling them to secure their 53rd team title in 54 seasons, despite winning only one event but featuring strong representation across various races, while New Canaan showcased notable performances, clinching several first-place finishes and receiving recognition for their coach’s achievements. Both teams are now focusing on the upcoming Class and State Championships, aiming to qualify as many swimmers as possible for the State Open Championships.
LOCAL POLITICS
The BET is reviewing budget proposals, considering early cuts for departmental adjustments. Fred Camillo’s plan to expand staff has encountered resistance from some members. The BET budget committee suggests a $502 million budget with $147 million for capital expenditures, scheduled for finalization on March 27, as public input is sought before the 2024-25 fiscal year begins on July 1.
FROM HARTFORD
A recent state audit uncovered deficiencies in the Office of the Treasurer’s operations, including improper disposal of state property and lapses in ethics disclosure. State auditors called for improved internal controls, prompting the treasurer’s office to acknowledge the issues and outline corrective measures. The audit spanned fiscal years 2021 and 2022, predating Treasurer Erick Russell’s tenure, and revealed shortcomings in managing state assets, prompting the office to implement reforms such as enhanced staff training and streamlined procedures to address the identified issues and strengthen accountability.
OUR NEIGHBORS
Mystic Aquarium announced the passing of Astro, a 17-year-old Steller sea lion, due to age-related ailments and declining health. Astro, originally rescued in 2005, was known for promoting marine conservation at the aquarium after being unable to reintegrate into the wild due to his affinity for human interaction. Mystic Aquarium emphasized the significance of Astro’s life, highlighting the vulnerability of his species and calling for compassion and continued advocacy for marine conservation in his memory.
