POLICE & FIRE
After 25 years of service, Technician Shawn Fox retired from the Greenwich Police, where he started in 1987 and later became a Marine Technician in 2009. Throughout his tenure, Fox was instrumental in maritime safety and received recognition, such as the 2014 Dr. John Clarke Greenwich Police Officer of the Year award. Greenwich Chief James Heavey commended Fox’s commitment to public service and wished him well in his future pursuits.
New members joined the Greenwich police department, including Animal Control Officer Carolyn Smith and police officers Ronald Santana and Jason Guach, overseen by First Selectman Fred Camillo. Smith, with a decade of experience from the Bronx Zoo, showcased her ability to handle diverse wildlife, supported by Chief James Heavey. Her lifelong passion for animals and dedication to serving Greenwich were evident, as she looked forward to working with veteran Suzanne Ondreicka to ensure animal welfare in the community.
Two new police recruits have joined Greenwich’s force. Santana, a Bronx native and SUNY Old Westbury graduate, served in the U.S. Army National Guard. Guach, also from the Bronx, has a background in computer network administration and the U.S. Marine Corps. Their recruitment fills all 152 sworn officer positions in the Greenwich Police Department, although Chief Heavey expects retirements in the future.
FROM TOWN HALL
Registration for summer programs, including day camps, began on April 1 in Greenwich. Residents must verify their residency for 2024 before signing up for any Recreation activities. Financial assistance may be available for residents facing financial constraints. More information is available on the official website.
Starting Monday, April 8, holders of the Town of Greenwich OnePass, featuring Tennis/Pickleball access, can reserve court time at public parks and school facilities in Greenwich. Each pass holder can book one hour of court time per day, up to five days in advance, using the town’s website. Adherence to the rules of play is required to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all. Online registration for Tennis Clinics and Summer Pickleball Clinics for adults and youth is also available, with sessions starting in late June.
The Department of Public Works has scheduled a public meeting on April 9th at 6 p.m. at Town Hall to discuss the North Street Bridge replacement project, revealing the preliminary design for the new bridge. The current bridge, built in 1909 and reconstructed in 1950, urgently requires replacement after emergency repairs in 2022. The meeting was rescheduled to accommodate the community, and project information is available online with presentation materials posted afterward for those unable to attend in person.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation is starting work on rehabilitating the Cos Cob Railroad Bridge, a significant project for the state. They’ve organized a virtual public information session for April 9 at 7 p.m. Interested individuals must register online here: https://portal.ct.gov/DOTGreenwich301-173 to attend and will receive a confirmation email with the meeting link. The session will provide an overview of the project and allow time for questions. Construction is set to begin in fall 2025, focusing on fixing the bridge’s mechanical and electrical systems.
As of April 1st, animals are prohibited at Greenwich Point Park with the exception of service animals, though dogs on leashes are welcome in other parks within Greenwich, including the always-accessible Grass Island Dog Park. For comprehensive information on dog-related policies, the Greenwich Animal Control website serves as a resource, or call the Greenwich Police Department non-emergency number.
AROUND TOWN
The Mianus River Park’s Earth Day event, organized by the Greenwich Parks and Recreation Foundation, takes place on April 27th from 9 a.m. to noon, aiming to engage the community in park maintenance and environmental stewardship. Volunteers will gather at the Cognewaugh Street entrance and participate in various activities such as planting trees, removing invasive plants, and cleaning up debris with tools provided by the Greenwich Parks Department, fostering community responsibility for local green spaces.
Aquarion Water Company is conducting a water main cleaning project in Greenwich which began on April 1 and will last until June 28, affecting streets in Cos Cob, Greenwich, Old Greenwich, and Riverside from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Residents may experience temporary changes in water pressure and discoloration during the process due to mineral disturbance in the mains. Aquarion advises storing water for consumption, avoiding laundry if water is discolored, and running cold-water faucets until clarity is restored, while providing updates on their website and Customer Service Center for inquiries.
Greenwich harbor authorities are addressing safety concerns by removing approximately 50 abandoned boat moorings out of 820, which pose risks to boaters and swimmers, particularly during low tide. Harbormaster Paul Cappiali emphasized the need to prioritize the removal of moorings accessible at low tide during a Harbor Management Commission meeting on February 21st. The project, endorsed by Bernie Armstrong, the commission’s chair, is estimated to cost between $400 and $600 per mooring, totaling around $25,000, with Cappiali seeking additional resources from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for larger-scale efforts.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
The Innovation Lab at the Greenwich Library, open to all patrons for free, offers a variety of monthly programs and the opportunity for individuals to book time for their projects. Equipped with advanced technology like laser engravers, 3D printers, and augmented reality, the Lab also provides STEAM kits for home use, supporting both personal and educational creative endeavors.
Coffee for Good has welcomed Jeanne Lockwood as their new Job Developer, leveraging her extensive experience in supporting children with special needs and her leadership skills from the retail sector. Her appointment was enabled by a grant from Pitch Your Peers (PYP) Greenwich, acknowledging Coffee for Good’s impactful mission. Lockwood now collaborates with the Inclusive Employer Team and mentors nearing graduation trainees, marking a significant addition to the organization.
The 61st Annual Pancake Breakfast hosted by the Lions Club of Greenwich occurred on March 16 at Greenwich High School, drawing over 400 attendees who enjoyed pancakes, sausages, and refreshments while participating non-profits enriched the event. Activities included music by the Long Meadow Band, face painting for children by Faces By Wells, and free eye screenings by the Greenwich Lions for children aged 2 to 6. Proceeds from the event, including donation checks to non-profits, support various community service projects championed by the Lions Club of Greenwich.
Building One Community (B1C) partnered with The Bruce Museum in Greenwich to offer academic enrichment in STEM subjects to Stamford Public Schools students, with the Homework Club supporting 137 students in 2023. During a museum field trip, students created kaleidoscopes.
Greenwich Hospital plans to overhaul its outpatient clinic by transferring administration to Family Centers Inc., aiming to expand services and operating hours. The partnership seeks to combine medical expertise with social services to enhance care for uninsured or underinsured patients. Both parties anticipate state regulatory approval, emphasizing the potential benefits of the collaboration, including reduced hospitalizations and increased support for marginalized individuals.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Evens Valbrun was sworn in this week as the Town’s latest full-time Parking Enforcement Supervisor. The ceremony was attended by First Selectman Fred Camillo, Evens’ family, and members of the Parking Services Department’s leadership. Camillo thanked the department for their dedication to parking enforcement. Valbrun, who has been a part-time enforcement officer since 2009 and was promoted to full-time in 2020, has academic credentials in criminal justice and law, and served as a criminal investigator in the Haiti National Police Force.
Mary Hull retired as Executive Director of Greenwich Green & Clean after over three decades. Joining in 1988 as a Public Relations Coordinator, she later advanced to Executive Director, expanding partnerships with local entities to improve the town’s aesthetics. Hull’s involvement also extended to other civic organizations.
Rhonda Vetere, a Global Technology Executive, has joined Make-A-Wish Connecticut’s board of directors, bringing extensive STEM experience and a global perspective. Pam Keough, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Connecticut, welcomed Vetere’s appointment, noting her expertise and dedication. In addition to her professional achievements, Vetere is an accomplished athlete and author, exemplifying her multifaceted contributions.
SCHOOLS
The Senegal Intersession group partnered with Lycee D’Excellence de Mariama Ba (LEMBA) to work on sustainable development goals on Gorée Island. They planted native plants to combat soil erosion and made a recycling awareness video. They also collaborated with local authorities and organizations, like Senegal’s Ministry of Education and the Mayor of Gorée.
The Upper and Middle School Red Cross Clubs hosted a successful blood drive for the Brunswick community on Thursday, March 28. Long-time American Red Cross volunteer Ross Ogden ‘62 (P ‘91, ‘95) provided invaluable support.
Two swastikas were found on testing dividers at Central Middle School recently. Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones and Principal Tom Healy informed CMS families that identifying the responsible individual is difficult due to shared equipment use. They introduced new procedures to assign dividers to students and emphasized the community’s rejection of prejudice while urging families to discuss tolerance with their children and contact school authorities with any information.
The Julian Curtiss School is undergoing renovations to enhance accessibility and security, totaling just over $1 million, with a focus on Americans With Disabilities Act compliance. Previous plans for a larger renovation were halted due to cost constraints, but now the priority is on safety improvements. Although the construction timeline is unspecified, approval for the renovations is needed from the site plan and municipal improvement status.
Laura Newell, previously the K-12 Arts Coordinator at Greenwich Public Schools, will become the Visual and Performing Arts Director at New Canaan Public Schools starting July 1. In her eight years at GPS, she oversaw the arts curriculum and programs across 16 buildings. With experience as the Supervisor of Fine and Performing Arts in East Hartford, Newell brings expertise praised by GPS Superintendent Toni Jones and welcomed by NCPS Superintendent Bryan Luizzi, who highlighted her passion for arts education.
The Board of Estimate and Taxation allocated $43 million for upgrades to Old Greenwich School. The project will proceed, with construction scheduled for the upcoming year.
SPORTS
Molly Southwood and her team of six are preparing for a cross-Channel swim on July 5, 2024, to raise support for SwimTayka, a charity that teaches swimming in areas where it’s not culturally prevalent to reduce drowning risks. Molly, 42, trains rigorously in Devon, UK, facing challenges like jellyfish and currents. SwimTayka’s founder, Bryan Avery, recognizes their efforts in reducing global drowning rates and encourages donations to support their cause, with Molly aiming to raise £1,800 for the charity.
The Brunswick School baseball team holds a 3-1 record so far in the season, with recent wins against Citius Prep Baseball Academy, Greens Farms Academy, and Loomis Chaffee School, although they suffered a loss to Hamden Hall Country Day School. Despite the defeat, senior pitcher Michael Yeager displayed a strong performance, while freshman pitcher Tyrus Ostrowski has shown promise on the mound for the Bruins.
Alexyss Conley has transitioned from coaching Greenwich High School’s junior varsity softball team to becoming the new varsity softball coach, taking over from Mary Beth Fratello. With a strong lineup and promising players, Conley expresses excitement about the team’s potential and trusts in her players’ leadership abilities to execute on the field.
Greenwich High School’s boys baseball team kicked off their 2023 season with a strong 2-0 win against West Haven, led by outstanding pitching from Troy Goodwin and stellar defensive performance, including a solo home run from John McHugh. Coach Adrian Arango praised the team’s pitching, highlighting the contributions of senior captains who have been pitching since sophomore year, alongside catcher Cody Baker, while McHugh’s home run provided a crucial boost to the team’s morale.
The Greenwich High School girls lacrosse team, led by coach Tara Clough, is embracing the challenges of their competitive schedule, including matches against formidable opponents like Nyack and Bronxville High Schools. Despite facing setbacks, such as their recent loss to Nyack, the team remains focused on learning and improving, with senior captain Emma Abbazia leading the offense and a mix of experienced and new players contributing to the team’s efforts.
Brunswick School’s varsity lacrosse team has started their season with three consecutive victories, including an 11-5 win against Radnor High School and a hard-fought 12-11 triumph over Deerfield Academy, showcasing strong offensive and defensive performances. Their upcoming game against Darien High School presents another competitive challenge for the team.
The Greenwich High School Varsity A boys rugby team began the 2024 season with an impressive 34-5 victory over rival Staples High School at rainy Cardinal Stadium, securing a dominant win reminiscent of their prior successes in the Connecticut State Tournament. Coached by Mike Fina and led by captains Gaston Gomez, Brian Nova-Acosta, and Ignacio Piccione, the Cardinals showcased their strength with notable performances from players like Eric Fischer, Kini Piccione, Julen Guazo-Badiola, Sebastian Parra, and Tischler, continuing their tradition of excellence in rugby.
LOCAL POLITICS
Trevor Crow has withdrawn her candidacy for the 36th District State Senate seat. This decision has allowed Nick Simmons to join the race for the Democratic nomination in May.
Christina Downey, a seasoned figure in Greenwich politics, now heads the Greenwich Democratic Town Committee after serving in various local government roles. Downey is embracing the challenge of leading the DTC with optimism.
FROM HARTFORD
The Connecticut Department of Transportation’s “Put the Phone Away or Pay” initiative, conducted with law enforcement and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, aims to curb distracted driving during April’s National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. In 2021, over 5,600 crashes in Connecticut were linked to distracted driving, resulting in nine deaths and 850 injuries. Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto stresses the importance of maintaining focus while driving, with Connecticut law prohibiting handheld mobile device use, alongside enforcement measures and public encouragement of safer driving practices to prioritize road safety.
Governor Ned Lamont increased the Connecticut Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) rate from 30.5% to 40% for the 2023 income year as part of last year’s state budget, aiming to aid lower-income individuals and families. The Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services, Mark Boughton, highlighted the importance of the EITC in assisting working families, with an estimated 211,000 households eligible for the credit.
ACROSS CT
NASA has predicted a nova explosion, expected between now and September. T Coronae Borealis, a binary system 3,000 light years away, will undergo this transformation, becoming visible in the northern hemisphere. Its uncertain timing, projected by experts for September, will see the star shining at a magnitude of +2, visible to the naked eye for days and through binoculars for over a week, with observers directed to seek out the Corona Borealis between the Boötes and Hercules constellations.
OUR NEIGHBORS
The collision of the Francis Scott Key Bridge has halted operations at the Port of Baltimore, raising concerns around Connecticut about potential effects on our ports. Enstructure, overseeing Gateway terminals in New Haven, New London, and Montville, expressed support for Maryland and the broader East Coast port network. Sally Kruse, executive director of the New Haven Port Authority, highlighted geographical constraints and specialization issues that make it unlikely for New Haven to handle diverted cargo from Baltimore, with similar sentiments echoed by Gina Malheiro, executive director of the Bridgeport Port Authority. While there may be some redirected traffic, Connecticut’s ports are unlikely to see significant surges, given the capacity and specialization differences between ports along the East Coast.
Spring marks the beginning of tulip season at Wicked Tulips Flower Farm in Preston, Connecticut, scheduled to open in late April with over 750,000 tulips available for picking. The farm plants 1.5 million tulips annually, with Preston featuring 125 varieties since its establishment in 2021. In addition to tulip picking, the farm offers yoga classes, mini retreats, and photography opportunities, with ticket sales and opening dates announced online in advance. Ticket sales, priced at $20 on weekdays and $23 on weekends for adults (including ten tulips), along with $5 admission for children aged five to 17, are available online. Children under four enter for free. Visitors must select a half-hour time slot for entry, with the farm open seven days a week until 7 p.m., regardless of weather conditions. Opening times are 10 a.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. on weekends.
