POLICE & FIRE
Greenwich Police Department (GPD) responded to a report of juveniles gathering after hours at Byram Park on April 9. Upon dispersal, officers found a teenage girl who had been assaulted, sustaining minor injuries and received treatment at a local hospital. Detectives are investigating, with the assault recorded on video and posted on social media, and encourage witnesses or those with information to contact Detective King at (203) 622-8052 or leave anonymous tips via email to TIPS@greenwichct.org or by calling 203-622-3333.
Greenwich Police officers recently engaged children in an educational experience at the “Cops and Tots” event at the YMCA of Greenwich. Through demonstrations led by Lieutenant Schmitt and Sergeant Geary, kids learned about drone operation and police equipment like patrol cars and crime scene tape. They actively participated by creating their own crime scenes, fostering community understanding and trust between law enforcement and the younger generation.
Earlier this week, the Professional Firefighters hosted their inaugural retiree breakfast at Fire Headquarters in Greenwich. Both on-duty crews and newer members attended to honor and reconnect with past Union members. The event highlighted continuity and respect within the Union.
FROM TOWN HALL
April 14 is the deadline for discounted rates on Park/Beach and Tennis/Pickleball Passes. It’s the last chance to get early bird fees. Seniors must now buy a Tennis/Pickleball pass option to play and reserve courts. Online reservations for Tennis and Pickleball Courts are now open. April 30 is the last day for discounted Golf Memberships. From May 1, valid renewed passes and/or tickets are mandatory for entry. Boating season starts April 15.
The matter of potential restrictions on circus performances in Greenwich was not voted on in the previous Board of Selectmen session, prompting further discussion with legal experts and the Humane Society to ensure careful drafting of any proposed ordinance.
Residents and businesses in Greenwich will soon receive annual alarm registration invoices, due by July 31st for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2024. Payments can be made online, by check to the Town of Greenwich, or in person at the Greenwich Police Department headquarters. For assistance, individuals can call 203-618-8339, highlighting the town’s commitment to maintaining order and security.
AROUND TOWN
The Connecticut Department of Transportation will begin milling and repaving work on Route 1 in Greenwich from this Sunday April 14 to May 2. Lane closures are expected, with signage and personnel to assist drivers. Nighttime operations will run from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Sunday through Friday. The milling phase is scheduled for April 14 to April 22, followed by resurfacing until May 2. Adjustments may occur due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, with updates provided to residents as needed.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Luca’s Pizzeria and Italian Kitchen, opens today, on April 12 in Greenwich’s Glenville Shopping Center, is the culmination of owner Joe Criscuolo’s extensive pizza experience, offering classic Italian dishes with a modern twist in a family-friendly setting. The menu, inspired by Joe’s family recipes, features pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, salads, and signature items like garlic monkey bread and Joe’s Sunday Sauce, alongside weekly specials. Joe sees Luca’s as a tribute to his father and a fulfillment of his lifelong dream, with a portion of opening day proceeds going to support Abilis, a local nonprofit.
The Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich celebrated its 56th annual Youth of the Year event at the Hyatt Regency in Old Greenwich. Omar Badr was recognized as the 2024 Youth of the Year, highlighting his transformation from disengagement to academic success with support from the Club. Amidst the stormy weather, the event emphasized the Club’s commitment to fostering resilience and community among its youth.
Love You A Latte, a new coffee shop in Chickahominy at 160 Hamilton Ave., owned by Robyn and Michael Bordes, offers a variety of coffee drinks, including flavored lattes. They source their beans from Coffee Labs Roasters in Tarrytown, N.Y., and sell them for home brewing. The shop also serves pastries from local bakeries and homemade bracelets, providing a cozy atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating and free WiFi, open from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, with plans to extend hours when Pasta Bowls opens next door, reflecting Robyn Bordes’ commitment to community engagement.
YWCA Greenwich, a longstanding community institution, plans significant renovations, including a 14,500-square-foot expansion primarily on its southeastern side, detailed by attorney Bruce Cohen. The project aims to enhance services, with new space designated for domestic abuse survivors and improved administrative efficiency.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
The 2024 Greenwich Sustainability Awards honored several individuals dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability. Winners include Mary Hull, Angie Hartofilis, Bob Conlon, Diana Klinger, Nikki Barratt, Cate Tucker, Zara Haque, Thomas McKinney, Anna Leventon, Sameera Madan, and Jacklyn Pizzella. Their efforts showcase the impact of grassroots action in fostering a greener future.
SCHOOLS
Kim Matarese, a science teacher at Western Middle School, was honored with the 2023-2024 Master in the Middle Award by the New England League of Middle Schools for her dedication to guiding students through middle school and her advocacy for diversity and social justice. Matarese was nominated by the school’s administration team.
Students from Eastern, Central, and Western Middle Schools participated in the Western Region Middle School Festival at Wilton High School after passing auditions in December. The Connecticut Music Educators Association organized the event to promote music education and recognize effective teaching.
The NAMM Foundation has recognized Greenwich Public Schools (GPS) as a recipient of its 2024 Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Awards. This program, now in its 25th year, highlights school districts and institutions supporting music education for all students. GPS has received this honor 14 times, reflecting its ongoing commitment to musical education. Established in 2006, The NAMM Foundation is supported by the music products industry, serving as an arm of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM).
The annual Alliance Trivia Challenge was held at Tamarack Country Club by the Greenwich Alliance for Education. Teams of ten competed in six rounds of trivia for charity. The winning teams were the Greenwich Education Association in first place, Team Four the Win! in second, and a special win for Jurass-Kickers! for Best Team Name.
Julian Curtiss School is the third GPS school to have adopted an organics recycling program, aiming to reduce waste by diverting food scraps from landfills. Students have increased their waste diversion rate from 34% to 76% through careful sorting and sharing untouched food items. With Quantum Biopower’s help, the school anticipates diverting nearly 10,000 pounds of waste annually, while educational activities reinforce recycling and composting principles.
23 Greenwich High School students and one Eastern Middle School student earned a total of 64 awards at the 2024 Hudson-to-Housatonic Scholastic Writing Awards, with 11 Gold Keys, 19 Silver Keys, and 34 Honorable Mentions. These recognitions were chosen by a panel of professionals from diverse backgrounds, including novelists, editors, educators, poets, librarians, and journalists, from a pool of 2,708 submissions.
Five Connecticut high school seniors recently earned the Western Golf Association’s Chick Evans Scholarship, including Violet McCann-Anthony from Greenwich Country Day School. The scholarship, valued at about $125,000 over four years, is awarded based on caddie experience, academics, financial need, and character. The selection process in Connecticut was one of many held nationwide by the Evans Scholars Foundation. Currently, 1,130 caddies are enrolled as Evans Scholars across 24 universities, with an estimated 340 more expected to be awarded the scholarship this year.
Greenwich Public Schools will host the 2024 Community Service Awards on April 24th at Greenwich High School’s Performing Arts Center, recognizing students for their community service. Kimberly Palomino, a GHS senior, will receive the Fleishman Service Award for her exceptional dedication.
The 39th annual Riverside Run is set for May 11, 2024, starting at 8:30 am, featuring a three-mile route in Riverside, Connecticut, with a main run/walk and Fun Runs for kids. Participants can win ribbons and trophies, and the first 500 registrants receive a race t-shirt and gift bag. Races start at 8:30 am for the main run and 9:30 am for the Kids Fun Run, with online or in-person registration available until 30 minutes before each race, costing $30 for the three-mile run and $15 for the Kids Fun Run, benefiting PTA programs and Riverside School’s educators.
Dr. Toni Jones appointed Ben Branyan as the new chief financial and administrative officer for Greenwich Public Schools, starting June 10, succeeding Blaize Levitan. Branyan, previously serving as the town administrator and chief operating officer in Greenwich since 2015, will oversee various aspects of the school district’s operations. With experience in educational and municipal roles, Branyan’s leadership and expertise are expected to enhance operational efficiency within the district.
Greenwich Public Schools have a deadline of four months to rectify racial imbalances at Hamilton Avenue School and New Lebanon elementary schools, per a 1969 Connecticut law. Karen Kowalski, Greenwich Board of Education Chair, stressed the district’s diversity commitment at a recent State Board of Education meeting. Superintendent Toni Jones acknowledges efforts to address imbalance, including housing preschool classrooms within these schools and ensuring accessibility for all residents via busing, while also expressing caution about displacing families from neighborhood schools.
SPORTS
The YWCA Greenwich Dolphins Swim Team placed seventh in the 2024 Connecticut Short Course Age Group Championships, marking their 25th consecutive Top 10 finish. With 800 swimmers from 50 teams competing, the Dolphins earned seven gold medals and numerous silver and bronze. Notable performances included Kate Boutry’s three golds and relay victories, along with strong showings from Oliver Bjerke and John Landers, highlighting the team’s success and depth.
Greenwich High School’s sailing team showcased strong performances at the recent Super Saturday regatta, held at Grass Island, with another regatta scheduled for the upcoming Saturday. Both Greenwich High School and Greenwich Academy demonstrated their prowess at the event, highlighting the strength of their respective sailing programs and suggesting a promising season ahead for GHS sailing.
Greenwich High School’s tennis team has had a strong start to their season, winning their opening matches against Brien McMahon and Fairfield Ludlowe with dominant performances in both singles and doubles play. Coached by Ray Marschall, the team continues to showcase its depth and talent as they aim for another successful season in the FCIAC.
The Greenwich High School boys lacrosse team secured a 12-6 victory against Stamford, with Colin Zeller leading the offense with five goals and two assists. Additionally, Jimmy Flinn, Boden Farmer, Mikey Brescia, Jake Duda, Adam Kim, and Lane Critchell each contributed goals and assists, while goalies Jack Hamel and Ilan Amaro made eight and seven saves, respectively, and Critchell won eight faceoffs.
The Greenwich High School boys track and field team has started their 2024 season impressively, securing decisive wins in their first two meets and showcasing notable individual performances. With strong showings from both senior leaders and up-and-coming sophomores and juniors, the team is demonstrating depth and potential for success in both regular season and postseason competitions.
Greenwich Academy’s Varsity A lacrosse team faces a season of change, graduating seven seniors from the previous year’s successful squad and returning to Fairchester Athletic Association competition after a hiatus. With new leadership and players, they are optimistic about their performance, displaying strength in their recent victories and embracing the challenge of playing in the FAA.
The Greenwich High School girls lacrosse team secured two impressive victories this week, defeating Bronxville 11-6 at Cardinal Stadium and Northwest United Lacrosse 15-0 in Litchfield, Conn. Led by standout performances from senior Emma Abbazia and contributions from various players including Giselle DiPietro and Aubrey Roth, the Cardinals showcased strong offensive prowess and teamwork in both games.
Greenwich High School’s boys lacrosse team won their recent FCIAC game against St. Joseph with a 9-8 victory, led by junior Mikey Brescia’s three goals and two assists, including a game-winning goal by senior Jimmy Flinn with 1:30 left.
Brunswick secured an impressive 12-6 victory over Darien in their lacrosse showdown, dominating from the start after learning from their previous loss to the Blue Wave. Senior captains Luke Hublitz and Hudson Hausmann led the Bruins’ determined effort, with strong performances from the team’s offense and defense contributing to the win.
The Greenwich High School girls water polo team, led by coaches Jimmy Ramaley and captains Ashley and Olivia Hopper, continues its winning streak with a 3-0 record, showcasing a mix of experienced and younger talent, as they prepare for an upcoming tournament in Chicago. With notable performances from players like Julia Gustafsson and strong team unity, the Cardinals aim to maintain their tradition of success and possibly secure another undefeated season.
The Brunswick School baseball team is currently 3-1 in the season, with their most recent game resulting in a 5-1 loss against Hamden Hall Country Day School, despite a strong pitching performance from senior Michael Yeager. Looking ahead, they aim to make necessary adjustments as they prepare to face Hopkins School in their upcoming game.
Alexyss Conley, after coaching Greenwich High School’s junior varsity softball team for the past two years, has taken on the role of varsity softball coach, succeeding Mary Beth Fratello. Despite a challenging start to the 2024 season with a loss to New Fairfield, Conley is optimistic about the team’s potential, emphasizing their energy and strong lineup, as they prepare to face tough competition in the FCIAC.
LOCAL POLITICS
The RTM passed a non-binding SOMR endorsing Net-Zero energy standards to cut costs and energy use in municipal and school projects. The tally to greenlight the SOMR stood at 157 in favor, 25 opposed, with 4 abstentions.
The BET convened to finalize the budget but extended the meeting due to a failure to reach a decision after three days of debate. If seven votes for bipartisan agreement aren’t secured, the budget will revert to the previous year’s, impacting essential projects like Old Greenwich School renovations and underscoring the challenge of political discord for each board member.
