LOCAL POLITICS
On Tuesday night the Republican Town Committee elected their leadership positions for the next two years. Jerry Cincotta will serve as Chairman; Steve Warzoha and Marc Ducret will serve as Vice-Chairmen; and elected unanimously were Lauren Rabin and Pamela Pagnani serving as Treasurer and Secretary respectively
POLICE & FIRE
Chief Heavey recently honored Officers Cavaseno and Freder for successfully completing their probationary period. The officers underwent training at the Connecticut Police Academy, completed field exercises, and transitioned into autonomous roles over 18 months. Their performance was regularly assessed by a supervisor to ensure adherence to standards. Officer Cavaseno and Officer Freder are now considered exemplary members of the force, ready to uphold the values of law enforcement in their careers.
FROM TOWN HALL
Greenwich Recreation is actively seeking sponsors for their upcoming special events and spring sports programs to help local businesses gain exposure and support the community. Sponsoring these events not only promotes brand visibility but also aids in supporting vital community programs. Interested businesses are encouraged to contact the department for information on sponsorship levels and benefits or visit their website for further details.
Greenwich Emergency Medical Services and the Greenwich Department of Health are collaborating to offer a training session on the administration of Narcan, a nasal spray medication that reverses opioid effects. The session is scheduled for April 2nd, from 1 to 2 p.m., at the Mazza Conference Room in Greenwich Town Hall. Admission is free, but registration is required due to limited space. To reserve a seat or ask questions, contact 203-622-7836. This initiative highlights the community’s commitment to proactive healthcare and education.
The town’s skate park is now open for the spring season. It’s available on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m., weather permitting, and also on Greenwich Public School holidays. Hours will increase in April. The cost is $5 for a day pass and $30 for a month pass. Registration is open for the spring skateboarding clinic in April and May. The skate park is located at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, 100 Arch St.
Residents in Greenwich recently gathered for a DPW-hosted event to discuss traffic issues, with officials facilitating feedback collection. Reflecting concerns from neighborhoods like Riverside and Old Greenwich, residents emphasized the need for improved safety measures, backed by a $400,000 Federal Grant aimed at enhancing road safety.
Recent Wetlands committee meetings discussed property owner violations and cease and desist orders. The discussions highlighted challenges for land stewards and developers, stressing the importance of environmental accountability. Residents are advised to consult the Wetlands Agency before starting projects that affect the environment, with guidance provided at the Wetlands counter in Town Hall.
AROUND TOWN
Bruce Park in Greenwich is nominated for the “Best City Parks 2024” title by USA Today and the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, with voting open until April 8 and winners announced on April 17. Established in 1908 by philanthropist Robert Moffat Bruce, the park spans 100 acres and offers amenities such as sports fields and walking paths. Efforts led by First Selectman Fred Camillo aim to preserve the park’s heritage through a historic designation, reflecting its significance in Greenwich. As of Thursday, March 21st at 5am, Bruce Park is ranked in 10th place overall. You can vote by visiting https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-city-park-2024/
In Greenwich, pet owners should be mindful of leash laws to ensure safety for all residents, including dogs, children, seniors, and wildlife. Unleashed dogs can get into dangerous situations like fights or accidents with vehicles. Following leash laws demonstrates respect for others and maintains harmony in public spaces. Some people may feel uncomfortable around unrestrained dogs, so it’s important for pet owners to be considerate. Respecting leash laws ensures that everyone can enjoy public areas without fear or inconvenience.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Double L Market, a well-known food market in Westport, Connecticut, is expanding into Greenwich with a new delivery service, offering same-day delivery from Monday to Friday. Established in 1985 by Lloyd Allen, the market focuses on sourcing high-quality food from local farms and artisans to ensure freshness.
Perrot Memorial Library launched the Nancy Altznauer Memorial Seed Library, led by Senior Girl Scout Anna Mulligan for her Gold Award Project, with support from various individuals including Lori Mulligan, Wendy Yu, and the Master Gardeners at the Garden Club of Old Greenwich and Greenwich Land Trust. Named after Nancy Altznauer, a former board member known for her landscaping contributions, the seed library provides seeds for gardeners of all levels and is located in the Waid Building. With a one-envelope limit per variety per household, the library aims to cultivate community among gardeners and encourage biodiversity and environmental awareness.
Abilis, a nonprofit aiding individuals with disabilities, now manages the Abilis Courthouse Café at the Stamford Superior Court House, expanding their café operations to seven locations in Fairfield County. Selected through a competitive process, Abilis aims to provide inclusive employment opportunities while offering a diverse menu.
Dave Corbo and John Bosco, owners of Corbo’s Delis, are venturing into managing the restaurant at Greenwich’s Griffith E. Harris Golf Course, set to open in mid-April. They are currently renovating and setting up its online presence, with a menu featuring American dishes with Italian influences. The contract begins on April 1st, with Bosco and Corbo aiming to make the Clubhouse at the Griff a premier dining spot in the area.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Stacey Cleary, a Riverside resident and pickleball enthusiast, founded 4Joy in 2023 to offer performance-focused paddles with stylish designs. Even while overcoming a benign brain tumor, Cleary’s dedication to pickleball spurred her to develop the Premio Series, which launched in January of this year.
The Greenwich Sustainability Committee announced the recipients of its Second Annual Sustainability Awards, to be presented at the Rethink Waste Fair by Waste Free Greenwich at Christ Church on April 6th. The fair will run from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, with the ceremony at 12:15 pm, featuring the reading of the Earth Month Proclamation and the presentation of the awards. Among the honorees are Mary Hull, Angie Hartofilis, Bob Conlon, Diana Klinger, Nikki Barratt, Cate Tucker, Zara Haque, Thomas McKinney, Anna Leventon, and Sameera Madan and Jacklyn Pizzella.
Lawyer and bankruptcy expert George Kelakos, 67, passed away from COVID-19 complications after a prolonged hospitalization at Greenwich Hospital, spanning 146 days. His wife, Anchalee Kelakos, acknowledged his contributions to restructuring and insolvency on social media, while close friend Rick Mikels recalled Kelakos’ legal skills and varied interests. Kelakos emphasized the significance of health and service to others.
SCHOOLS
Local stores in Greenwich and Riverside raised $8,375 to combat childhood hunger through customer donations, supported by ACME Markets, Kings Food Markets Foundation’s Nourishing Neighbors Program, and GENYouth. Greenwich Public Schools received 335 $25 gift cards from these programs, presented by Dr. Toni Jones to Neighbor to Neighbor’s Executive Director, K. Brent Hill, to support their Summer Supplement Program, aiding over 300 families during the summer months when school meals are unavailable, highlighting the crucial role of community support in offering hope to families facing food insecurity.
The Hamilton Avenue School Division I team, led by Mrs. Cathy Byrne, secured first place in their division at the Odyssey of the Mind State Finals, excelling in various categories including crafting and performing a play based on a classic novel. They are now fundraising to compete in the World Finals at Iowa State University. Additionally, the Primary team from grades K to 2, mentored by parent coaches Ruth Camoes and Melissa Grijalba, participated in the event, presenting “The Night Life.”
The Greenwich String Festival took place at GHS’ Performing Arts Center earlier this month. Two hundred students from across the GPS district participated, ranging from Hamilton Avenue PreK to the high school String Ensemble. The festival included collaboration with guest conductors, highlighting the talent and dedication of the district’s string musicians.
The Central Middle School Math Counts Team earned third place in the Connecticut State Competition of MATHCOUNTS at the University of Hartford. The competition consisted of four rounds: Sprint, Target, Team, and Countdown Round, totaling about three hours. The CMS team, led by coach Mrs. Elana Brookman and comprising Rocky Ha, Carter Henske, Sohan Javeri, and Gus Schuhmacher, demonstrated teamwork and individual skill.
The Old Greenwich School Theater Arts program has been preparing for their upcoming performance of The Lion King Junior. Students recently participated in a 90-minute workshop led by Disney Broadway Teaching Artists, focusing on music and movement techniques for the show. Following the workshop, they attended a matinee performance at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway.
Riona McKersie, a sophomore at GHS, won the GHS Social Studies 2024 Black History Month Essay Contest. Students nominated overlooked Black figures for inclusion in the curriculum. Riona chose Alvin Ailey, highlighting his role in modern dance. She urged the Board of Education to recognize Ailey’s contributions, emphasizing their impact on dance, music, and culture.
GPS middle and high school students showcased numerous noteworthy projects in the Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair, an annual event for Connecticut students in grades 7 through 12. Mikah Kaalund secured First Place in Physical Sciences and Biotechnology, earning the CSTA’s Mart Tafel Student Award and a nomination for the National Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge; Briar Lissauer attained First Place from the Southeastern New England Marine Educators and Third Place in Future Sustainability; Tyler Malkin achieved First Place in Life Sciences, received the CSTA’s Mart Tafel Student Award, and secured a nomination for the National Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge; Caroline Stowe achieved Second Place in Physical Sciences and a nomination for the National Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge; Lily Bittman earned Second Place in Life Sciences, Third Place in Applied Technologies, Second Place in Biotechnology, and the CT Science Supervisors Association Award; Arthur Lai won First Place in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics; Louw Otto secured Second Place in Computer Sciences; Mackensey Wilson achieved First Place in Engineering, Third Place in Biotechnology, and earned nominations for the National Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge and the Wisner’s Chairman Award; Ishan Ambastha received The Frederick Olender Engineering Award; and Isaac (Monty) Bell was named a Finalist in Computer Sciences.
Sixth-grade students from Sacred Heart Greenwich engaged in a cultural exchange with Pen Pals from “Madres Escolapias Cerro,” a girls’ Catholic school in Córdoba City, Argentina. They wrote letters in English and Spanish, learning about different cultures. This activity aligned with Sacred Heart Greenwich’s Goal IV, promoting cross-cultural connections. It helped students improve their language skills and gain a better understanding of global perspectives.
Greenwich High School will host the ResearchEd conference on April 6th, gathering educators, administrators, and researchers. Michael-Joseph Mercanti-Anthony initiated the conference’s arrival in Greenwich after being inspired by a similar event in Maryland. Greenwich marks only the second American school district to host ResearchEd since its inception in 2013, with Mercanti-Anthony and Superintendent Toni Jones enthusiastic about its value and significance.
Trish McGuire became principal at Julian Curtiss School in 2009. Now, after a 27-year career with Greenwich Public Schools, McGuire has announced her retirement. Beginning as a special education teacher in 1997, McGuire held multiple roles before leading initiatives like the Parade of Nations at Julian Curtiss. Recognizing shifts in family dynamics impacting parental engagement, McGuire anticipated retirement with a blend of emotions, looking forward to travel and family time while embracing the future positively.
Dr. Toni Jones and Dr. Jen Bencivengo notified families of vandalism at Old Greenwich school, where a swastika was found etched into a staircase near the gym entrance. The Greenwich Police and school security identified that there are two students responsible for the incident. Jones and Bencivengo remind the Greenwich Public School community that bigotry has no place in their schools, urging discussions on kindness. The defacement was promptly removed, and repairs were made, with authorities encouraging anyone with information to contact police to assist in the investigation.
SPORTS
Emily Duarte, Nancy Kessler, Danielle Kim, and Anna Doglov, students from Greenwich High School and Eastern Middle School, respectively, won the Bronze medal at the ISU World Junior Synchronized Skating Championships in Neuchatel, Switzerland as part of the Skyliners synchronized skating team.
Isla Storms and Ellie Ducksworth were named recipients of the Boruchoff Skating Award at the 2024 Town Skate Competition. Sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Foundation and the Boruchoff family, these awards recognize individuals who demonstrate exceptional passion and commitment to figure skating. One recipient is chosen for their potential while the other is recognized for their diligent training ethic.
Brunswick School’s baseball team won their season opener 6-5 with a walk-off victory against Citius Prep Baseball Academy, thanks to junior centerfielder Connor Jones’ three-run double. This successful start under first-year head coach Connor Redahan sets the tone for the team to maintain their legacy of success. Led by seniors Michael Yeager and Jerry Guzman, along with junior Jackson Shepelsky, the Bruins are poised for a competitive season in the FAA league, driven by their collective determination to succeed.
Brunswick School’s lacrosse team kicked off their season opener against St. Sebastian’s School in heavy rain, securing a decisive 12-1 victory despite the challenging weather conditions. Led by Coach David Bruce, the Bruins showcased their dominance with a six-goal second quarter and maintained their lead throughout the game. With seniors Hudson Hausmann, Luke Hublitz, Casey Quinson, and Tucker Williams leading the charge, the team aims to build on their strong start and continue their success in upcoming matches against formidable opponents.
FROM HARTFORD
Senators Blumenthal and Scott introduced Goldie’s Act to enhance the Animal Welfare Act, giving USDA inspectors more authority to protect animals in federally-licensed facilities. Blumenthal emphasized the bill’s importance in holding animal abusers accountable, while Scott condemned puppy mills and supported stronger penalties for animal cruelty. The act, named after a mistreated golden retriever, requires stricter inspections and has gained support from organizations like ASPCA, with President Bershadker urging its inclusion in the Farm Bill for better protection of pets.
ACROSS Connecticut
The Newman’s Own Foundation announced the Food Justice for Kids Prize, offering $1 million to support projects aimed at reducing food insecurity among children. Applications are open until June 11 for public charities, Indigenous organizations, and public schools, with ten organizations to be selected in September. The initiative focuses on projects related to Indigenous food justice and nutrition education, addressing high rates of food insecurity among children, particularly in Indigenous communities.
Gearing up for the total solar eclipse on April 8, we in New Canaan are set to see 90.7% coverage at its peak, as detailed by NASA. For those eager to witness the event in its entirety, a trip to northern states like New York or Maine is advisable, although local viewings are also organized in Hamden and Litchfield. Weather predictions currently indicate a chance of clouds or rain, yet this might improve by the eclipse day, which will trace a path from Mexico through the U.S. to Canada.
Connecticut residents have noticed SpaceX’s Starlink satellites passing overhead as part of a global internet initiative, with thousands already launched. Concerns have been raised about potential radiation leaks affecting radio astronomy and the satellites contributing to a significant portion of close encounters in orbit. The Federal Aviation Administration has warned of risks from falling debris, while astronomers face disruptions, highlighting ongoing challenges as SpaceX plans to deploy more than 40,000 satellites.
OUR NEIGHBORS
Laurent de Brunhoff, the artist and writer who expanded his father’s Babar the Elephant series into a beloved global franchise, has passed away at 98 in Key West, Florida. Taking over after his father’s death, Laurent’s own contributions—including titles like “Babar at the Circus” and efforts to address the series’ colonialist criticisms — helped cement Babar’s place in children’s literature and culture. His legacy is defined by a balance between honoring his father’s creation and adapting to the evolving cultural and moral landscape.
