POLICE & FIRE
Officer Diaz and Technician Sanborn joined the Abilis Musical Theatre Class during Autism Awareness Month. They, like all officers, have undergone specialized training to manage situations involving individuals with autism, allowing them to assess behaviors accurately and communicate effectively without causing distress.
Experience Police Day on May 11th at the Town of Greenwich Public Safety Complex, featuring equipment demos, building tours, a bouncy house, and hot dogs from 10 am to 2 pm. Your presence is eagerly anticipated.
The Youth Citizens Police Academy offers a 5-day course providing insight into Greenwich Police Department operations and law enforcement careers. It’s open to Greenwich residents or children of Town of Greenwich employees entering grades 7 to 9 in September 2024, covering policing, patrol, forensics, and crime investigation. Participants engage in interactive experiences, including Police Boat rides, self-defense training, and demonstrations from various units, with additional activities like a beach day and Camp Seton outings included.
The Greenwich Police Department’s annual self-defense seminar targets female high school and college students aged 16 to 21, emphasizing situational awareness for personal safety. Led by certified use-of-force instructors from the department, the seminar will be held at the Town of Greenwich Public Safety Complex, exclusively for students residing or working within Greenwich.
The Greenwich Police Department donated maternity clothes to the YWCA Greenwich to help expecting mothers in need, showing their support for the community. The YWCA Greenwich was thanked for their ongoing dedication to assisting individuals in need within the community.
Officers Nichols Carmardella, David Ruiz, Gina Rivera, Gianna Cardini, and Sybren Hoekstra graduated from the 380th Police Officer Standards and Training Academy on April 17th and will begin a 16-week Field Training Program at GPD. During this program, they will shadow experienced officers, gradually taking on more responsibilities and applying their training to real-life scenarios. Upon successful completion of the FTO, they will be prepared to serve the Greenwich community independently, showcasing their dedication and hard work.
Today, the Greenwich Fire Department promptly extinguished a small fire on Orchard Street. The fire marshal is currently investigating the incident.
FROM TOWN HALL
Household Hazardous Waste Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 4th, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Island Beach Parking Lot, offering residents an opportunity to dispose of hazardous household waste safely and responsibly.
Residents should renew their residency and OnePass options for 2024 before May 1 to ensure access, with residency renewals possible via email approval and OnePass options available for purchase or renewal online. Key dates include April 30 for the end of early bird fees for Golf Memberships, May 1 for the requirement of valid passes or tickets, and June 8 for the start of Island Ferries. Boaters need to renew Marine Use Permits and Stickers for the ongoing boating season, and golfers can renew memberships and reserve tee times in advance at the Griff Golf.
Greenwich’s first summer without gas leaf blowers begins May 24th, banning their use on residential properties until September 30th, except for properties over two acres, which can use them after Labor Day. Electric leaf blowers are promoted as an eco-friendly alternative, with violators facing fines from 2025 onwards. A public hearing on April 25th discussed extending the transition to battery-powered blowers for town properties, emphasizing community input and enforcement through a dedicated hotline.
Rich Feminella presented plans at a recent Planning & Zoning meeting for an infrastructure project at 98 Strickland Road in Cos Cob, funded by the American Rescue Plan. The project involves replacing the existing pump station, which handles wastewater flow for Cos Cob and North Mianus, due to corrosion issues, PCB contamination, and structural concerns. The proposal includes relocating the pump station and material storage building, with the new facilities aiming to replicate the historical charm of the existing structures while meeting current codes and FEMA flood elevations.
AROUND TOWN
A call to Greenwich Police reported trespassing at 148 Glenville Rd on November 9, 2023, prompting involvement from the town’s Wetlands Agency due to concerns of wetland encroachment. Investigations found unauthorized tree clearance, leading to restoration applications discussed at a recent Wetlands Agency meeting, where stakeholders debated restoration plans and approved them with concessions and monitoring commitments. Attention now turns to addressing similar issues on adjacent properties to preserve Greenwich’s natural landscape.
Passover, starting today and concluding on April 30, commemorates the Israelites’ freedom from Egypt. Observant Jews abstain from leavened foods to remember their ancestors’ quick departure. Greenwich’s Chabad Lubavitch synagogues are hosting seders led by Rabbi Yossi Deren and Rabbi Menachem Feldman, providing meals and discussions on the Haggadah for $100 per adult and $30 per child, fostering community reflection on the significance of Passover.
Graffiti was discovered in the Greenwich town hall parking garage on a Monday morning. Captain John Slusarz stated it likely occurred over the weekend and is being investigated. The Selectmen’s office responded, saying they are investigating and will hold the responsible party accountable, emphasizing zero tolerance for defacing public property. The Town also committed to cleaning up the graffiti promptly.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation plans to resurface Route 15 in Greenwich, employing various treatments like crack sealing and overlay resurfacing. Design completion is slated for June 2024, with construction anticipated in spring 2025, pending approvals and funding. Primarily funded by Federal (80%) and State (20%) sources, public feedback is welcomed through inquiries directed to Mr. Scott Bushee, Transportation Principal Engineer.
Bruce Park in Greenwich ranked eighth in the annual USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards for top city parks. It was the only Connecticut park among the 20 nominees selected by USA Today. The Gathering Place in Tulsa, Oklahoma, took the top spot, while Bruce Park slipped from fourth place the previous year, despite remaining an integral part of Greenwich’s community with its diverse amenities and scenic views.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Boys and Girls Club Greenwich Kids welcomed the Read to Grow bookmobile, allowing each child to select a book to keep. This initiative seeks to foster a love for learning by offering valuable reading materials to the young participants. It’s a meaningful effort to promote literacy and engagement among children in the community.
On display at the Bruce Museum is King Nyani, a bronze sculpture by artists Gillie and Marc Schattner, weighing nearly 5,000 pounds and standing 23 feet long and 8.5 feet high. The sculpture aims to raise awareness about endangered species and is positioned in a relaxed pose, encouraging visitors to interact with it and take selfies. King Nyani provides a unique opportunity for reflection and engagement with conservation efforts.
Last week, Penny Lore and Sam Romeo expressed gratitude at The Nathaniel Witherell for the Vitti family’s support in creating a walking path connecting Parsonage Cottage Senior Residence and The Nathaniel Witherell. Initiated due to concerns raised by Parsonage resident Alice Migliore and Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo, the project demonstrates collaborative efforts to address sidewalk deterioration despite budget constraints.
Arhaus, a furniture and home decor brand, expanded its presence with a new showroom in Greenwich, Connecticut, complementing its existing locations in Farmington and Norwalk. The Greenwich showroom provides complimentary design services for projects of any scale, and as part of its “Green Initiative,” Arhaus has pledged $10,000 to support tree planting and preservation efforts by the Greenwich Tree Conservancy. Established in 1986, Arhaus prioritizes sustainable sourcing and partners with artisans globally to offer diverse furniture and decor options.
The Greenwich Historical Society has extended the registration deadline for its Art & History Summer Camp until today. Geared towards children in grades two to eight, the camp provides immersive experiences in history, art, and STEAM activities, focusing on Colonial American and progressive era themes. Through hands-on activities like weaving, gardening, and painting, the camp aims to develop competencies and character in children, receiving positive feedback from parents and counselors over its 30-year history.
The Alliance Française of Greenwich is hosting Focus on French Cinema 2024 until Sunday, May 5, presenting new French and Francophone films both in-person and online, building on the success of the previous “hybrid” edition. Highlights include the U.S. Premieres of “Rachel’s Game,” “ALTER EGO: Cloning the age of reason?,” and “Just a Couple of Days,” with accompanying discussions, along with online screenings and virtual interviews. Director of Programming, Joe Meyers, emphasizes the festival’s expanded theatrical screenings and the enduring appeal of its online offerings, showcasing talents like Fanny Ardant and Ben Attal, inviting audiences to engage with the diverse world of French and Francophone cinema.
HoliFest 2024, hosted by the India Cultural Center, is set for May 4 at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, expecting a crowd of 1,500. The event, sponsored by Redfin Premier, features music, dance, and the iconic color throw, showcasing ICC’s commitment to cultural integration. Attendees can experience Indian traditions, enjoy diverse cuisines, and partake in the vibrant festivities, with tickets available online or onsite for a discounted celebration of spring’s arrival.
The former Dorral Arrowwood hotel near Greenwich is being redeveloped into a mixed-use complex featuring a 220-room hotel, conference facilities, medical offices, wellness center, and around 120 residences. The Rye Brook Village Board of Trustees is overseeing the project, which includes amenities like spas, restaurants, and recreational facilities, along with affordable housing units. Legal processes and zoning amendments are required for approval, and despite owning land in Greenwich, the developers are concentrating on the Dorral Arrowwood project, generating anticipation for the site’s transformation.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Miles Carnegie, a student at North Street School, became First Selectman for a Day on April 16 through a fundraiser auction won by his parents. Accompanied by his mother, Allison, he visited Town Hall, displaying a keen interest in local governance and interacting with members of the BET before their budget vote. Miles showcased exceptional leadership qualities during his tenure as first selectman, making the experience positive for everyone involved.
Greenwich honored photographer Fred Watkins by declaring April 16, 2024, as Fred Watkins Day. Known for his work in Ebony and Jet Magazines, Watkins has photographed notable figures like former President George W. Bush and Nelson Mandela, and he’s had the privilege of traveling on Air Force One. His accomplishments were commemorated during a ceremony attended by his friends and family.
In response to increasing antisemitism in Connecticut, Riverside mothers Stacey Delikat and Hilary Daniels are sharing their grandparents’ Holocaust experiences with middle school students across the district. Both mothers, who are grandchildren of Holocaust survivors, aim to preserve their grandparents’ stories and educate students about history through personal narratives and videos. While efforts are underway to enhance Holocaust education in schools, community members are demanding further action to combat antisemitism and ensure students understand the importance of learning from the past to prevent future atrocities.
The Greenwich Town Party (GTP) is preparing for its annual all-day music festival at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park on Saturday, May 25. Seven local bands from Greenwich will perform, highlighting the community’s musical scene. Among them is Fashionably Late, a funk-rock group of five high school seniors from Greenwich Country Day School. The School of Rock Greenwich House Band, led by Byl Cote, will deliver a rock performance spanning decades. Rock Paper Soul Band, MOJO, Outcalls, Harf, and Cenzo complete the lineup with their diverse musical styles. The event promises a day of music and community celebration.
SCHOOLS
The Central Middle School Building Committee (CMSBC) is hosting its sixth Community Engagement Forum on May 1, welcoming all Greenwich community members. Representatives from CMSBC and project professionals will cover topics including campus design, project phases, logistics, and safety during construction. Attendees can join in person or via Zoom, engaging in real-time Q&A sessions, which will be both live-streamed and recorded for later access.
Greenwich High School seniors will graduate on June 18 at 5 p.m. The ceremony at Cardinal Stadium will last approximately an hour and 45 minutes, with seating on a first-come, first-served basis. In case of bad weather, the ceremony will move indoors to the Performing Arts Center, with tickets distributed to families and additional tickets available through a lottery. Following the ceremony, graduates can enjoy the Post Grad Party in the school gym, featuring games, prizes, food, and music.
On Earth Day, Upper School students made an Earth mosaic, and Lower School students joined the Food Waste Challenge by weighing their lunch leftovers. They showed their commitment to the environment by wearing Civvies Day outfits, with colors symbolizing natural elements. More eco-friendly projects are scheduled for the week as students continue their dedication to environmental stewardship.
Greenwich High School students are facing challenges due to the National School Lunch Program, with concerns raised about serving sizes and student interest in school lunch by student body vice president Omar Galal. Responding to community criticism, the district intends to remove Greenwich High School from the program next academic year, which may impact free breakfast availability but will allow the return of student-favorite muffins that do not meet federal requirements, according to Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent Toni Jones. While the high school was not previously part of the program, its inclusion during the pandemic led to dissatisfaction among students, prompting the decision to opt out and address menu flexibility concerns.
Students in Mrs. Tone’s class virtually met author Gordon Korman, famous for “Restart” and “Schooled.” They questioned him about his writing career and discovered he’s written 103 books. His insights left a lasting impact, enriching their literary journey.
Dormitory students visited Fenway Park today, cheering for the Red Sox and relishing the atmosphere. Faculty and students alike enjoyed the game’s excitement, enhancing the overall experience. Their support for the team added to the day’s enjoyment.
Ellyn Stewart, Director of Media Studies, Design & Innovation, graduated from the Sacred Heart Aspiring Leaders program after dedicating over 220 hours to studying leadership qualities. She received her diploma from Provincial Suzanne Cooke, RSCJ, in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Ellyn’s mentor, Bridget Bearss, RSCJ, praised her for embodying the values of integrity, justice, vision, compassion, and love.
The fourth-grade class visited the United Nations in New York City, exploring global diplomacy. Sponsored by Aida Bevis, a UN-employed mother, and organized by parents, the trip offered insights from Sr. Margaret Mwarili, the UN-NGO Representative for the Society of the Sacred Heart, fostering global citizenship among students. They received a warm welcome and an exclusive tour, enhancing their understanding of international cooperation.
The 2023 edition of Perspectives, a student-created magazine, received a Silver Crown Award from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. Ellie D ’25, the Art Editor, Moira M ’25, the Writing Editor, and the entire Perspectives team are commended for their dedication and outstanding contributions.
Experience the creativity nurtured by the Sacred Heart Greenwich Arts Department at the All-School Art Show and Spring Musical on April 25th, 2024. Appreciate the dedication of the faculty and explore the captivating artworks showcasing the power of artistic expression.
Sacred Heart Greenwich plans campus upgrades funded by donations, including a new putting green, expanded tennis courts, and a Lower Campus outdoor classroom. These improvements align with the school’s commitment to holistic student development and are part of the Pursuing Excellence strategic plan. The school appreciates the community’s support in making these enhancements possible.
Sacred Heart Greenwich welcomed Dr. Lani Lawrence and Ms. Laura Young from the New York Giants for a day of student engagement. They discussed building supportive teams and fostering a growth mindset, emphasizing positive cultures and life balance strategies in breakout sessions. The visit left students feeling inspired and empowered to pursue their aspirations confidently.
Serrena Iyer, a Netflix executive and Greenwich Academy alumna, will deliver the commencement address at the 2024 graduation ceremony. With a background spanning Goldman Sachs, DreamWorks, and Netflix, Iyer’s diverse career includes community service efforts during the Covid pandemic and national roles such as serving at the National Economic Council. Praised by Head of School Margaret Hazlett, Iyer’s return to campus on May 23rd follows a tradition of inviting accomplished speakers like Robin Roberts and Amna Nawaz to GA’s graduation.
The DTAC announced the 2024 Distinguished Teachers in Greenwich Public Schools: Ana Maria Fals, Johanna Kolar, Lian Lam, Audrey Maurer, Ilene Rietsch, and Alyssa Stack. DTAC Chair, Ms. Stacy Loveless, praised the educators’ dedication and expressed satisfaction with the nominations. The selection process involves nominations from students, parents, and colleagues, with DTAC members anonymously voting in April to determine the six recipients of the Distinguished Teacher title.
Greenwich Public Schools hosted the 2024 Community Service Awards to recognize students’ efforts in improving their schools and communities. The ceremony took place at 5 p.m. on April 24 at Greenwich High School’s Performing Arts Center, where students from elementary, middle, and high schools were honored for their service projects. Each middle school and high school house selected one student to receive awards, and Kimberly Palomino received the Fleishman Service Award, alongside other notable winners such as Frances Lindsay, Samantha Seedsome, Mikah Kaalund, Tessa Addeo, Lily Sayers, Maximillian Lu, Sophie Lenschow, and Charlotte Falus.
Principal Ralph Mayo has proposed adjusting Greenwich High School’s schedule by removing the flex period to end the day 20 minutes earlier, extending each class period to 55 minutes. Despite previous efforts like the Opportunity Block, a staff survey showed strong support for removing the flex period to maximize instructional time and accommodate students’ needs. Discussions continue on transportation logistics and alternative club meeting times to ensure a smooth transition, emphasizing inclusivity and enriching the educational experience for all students.
Brunswick School, located on Maple and Maher Avenues, is renaming its campus to the Thomas W. Philip Campus, as announced by Chairman W. Robert Berkley Jr. after Philip’s 22 years of leadership. Philip’s tenure oversaw significant growth, including acquiring the Vermont campus, establishing the Macfarlane Lower School, and building the Mehra Natatorium and O’Malley Middle School. Berkley outlined plans for further development, emphasizing Philip’s dedication and the institution’s commitment to excellence, with future renovations to cement Philip’s legacy.
SPORTS
Greenwich High School’s boys tennis team secured a 6-1 victory against rival Staples, maintaining their perfect 6-0 record. Alexander Salib won at No. 1 singles, and Manuel Specos Galli and Pierre August also secured wins for Greenwich in singles matches.
Sacred Heart Greenwich’s Varsity A lacrosse team secured a convincing 14-4 victory against Notre Dame Academy, extending their winning streak to eight games and bringing their record to 8-1. They are set to face neighborhood lacrosse rival Greenwich Academy tomorrow at 4 p.m.
Greenwich High School’s boys lacrosse team suffered a narrow 12-11 defeat against Bronxville (N.Y.) High School at Cardinal Stadium, despite leading for most of the game. Despite strong offensive performances, including Dean Kim’s four goals and Conrad Burki’s three goals and one assist, Bronxville’s exceptional goalkeeper prevented Greenwich from securing the win. Greenwich’s Lane Critchell excelled in face-offs, but the team couldn’t overcome Bronxville’s impressive defensive play, ultimately losing by one goal.
Brunswick School’s lacrosse team remains undefeated and holds the top spot in the USA Lacrosse High School National 25 rankings as they prepare to face Hill Academy from Canada on Tuesday. In their recent game against Hotchkiss School, Brunswick secured a convincing 15-6 win, with goals contributed by 11 players, including three from sophomore Owen Iles and two each from seniors Casey Quinson and Max Warden.
Greenwich High School’s baseball team heads into tomorrow’s game against Bridgeport Central with a two-game winning streak, following victories against St. Joseph and Wilton. In their recent win over Wilton, senior first baseman John McHugh and senior catcher Cody Baker contributed significantly to the team’s success, with McHugh also securing a save in relief pitching and Baker delivering a strong performance at the plate.
The Greenwich High School girls tennis team, coming off a remarkable 20-2 season, maintains high expectations for this spring’s season. Led by seniors Kyra Dybas and Malena Schraa, and with several first-year varsity players, the team displays promising performance and adaptability. Their recent victories, including a 7-0 win against St. Joseph, demonstrated a strong start to the season, with players like Dybas and Shining Sun showcasing exceptional skill and determination.
Emma Abbazia, a senior attack for the Greenwich High School girls lacrosse team, scored her 200th career goal during their game against Horace Greeley High School on Tuesday, marking another significant milestone in her impressive lacrosse career. Abbazia, who will play lacrosse at the Division I level for the University of Maryland, credits her teammates for their support and acknowledges their role in her achievement.
Greenwich High School’s girls lacrosse team showed resilience in their game against New Canaan, despite a 13-8 loss, staying competitive until late in the fourth quarter against a formidable opponent. Senior captain Emma Abbazia continued her standout performance with three goals and three assists, while the team demonstrated areas for improvement, particularly in ground balls and aggressiveness, aiming to refine their gameplay moving forward.
Sacred Heart Greenwich’s Varsity A lacrosse team secured their third consecutive win, defeating Lawrenceville School 11-9 in a hard-fought match. Despite a challenging performance, the Tigers maintained their edge throughout the game, with senior midfielder/captain Payton Sfreddo leading the way with three goals and one assist.
Brunswick School senior Calder Glassman pitched a perfect game against St. Luke’s School, leading his team to a 4-0 victory with 12 strikeouts and retiring all 21 batters he faced without allowing a hit, walk, or error. Glassman’s impressive performance was supported by strong defensive play from his teammates, securing an unforgettable win for the Bruins.
Greenwich High School’s boys volleyball team faced tough competition against Staples, ultimately falling 3-1 despite a strong effort, especially in the third and fourth sets. Senior co-captain James Kovac led the Cardinals with 12 digs, six kills, and solid defensive play, but they are aiming to improve cohesion and confidence for future matches in the competitive FCIAC league.
Greenwich High School’s boys lacrosse team bounced back from a close loss to Wilton by defeating Horace Greeley 13-11, improving their record to 4-2. Despite a strong comeback attempt by Horace Greeley in the second half, Greenwich’s six-goal lead at halftime, led by junior Mikey Brescia’s four goals and four assists, secured their victory.
LOCAL POLITICS
The Greenwich Board of Estimate and Taxation approved a $501.3 million spending plan for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, passing it to the Representative Town Meeting after an 8-4 vote. The approval process, usually completed in a few days, took four days this year, risking a budget rollover if no agreement was reached. The Representative Town Meeting will review the budget, with a decision expected on May 13.
ACROSS CT
As warmer weather arrives, shorebirds are returning to Connecticut’s coastline, with some already nesting. However, species like the piping plover, least tern, and American oystercatcher face challenges from habitat limitations and disturbances by dogs and beach traffic, making parenting stressful. Respecting marked nesting sites with fencing and yellow signs can help reduce stress for these birds and create a safer environment for their offspring.
Severe Weather Awareness Week highlights the importance of storm preparedness for safety. Severe thunderstorms, marked by large hail or wind gusts surpassing 58 mph, can cause property and tree damage. It’s crucial to stay alert to weather forecasts, as some storms may unleash hail larger than softballs or winds over 100 mph, accompanied by tornadoes, lightning, and flash flooding, emphasizing the necessity of being prepared and taking precautions.
This week, a supermarket chain warned against consuming a product due to a Salmonella outbreak under FDA investigation across 29 states and Washington, DC. Trader Joe’s responded by voluntarily removing all Infinite Herbs-brand organic basil from their shelves. Infinite Herbs CEO Grego Berliavsky expressed regret, assuring compliance with US food safety regulations and launching an internal investigation.
Recent research conducted by Architecture Lab, analyzing data from the US Census Bureau’s Housing Vacancies and Homeownership survey between 2021 and 2023, reveals Arkansas as the state with the highest homeowner vacancy rate at 1.28%, peaking at 1.43% in 2022. Louisiana follows closely with a vacancy rate of 1.26%, while Connecticut ranks third with a rate of 1.13%. Anton Giuroiu, CEO of Architecture Lab, highlighted the unpredictable nature of housing market trends and the potential for volatility in the future.
Representatives from various sectors gathered at Central Connecticut State University for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. State Victim Advocate Natasha Pierre highlighted the commitment to aiding those in need and welcomed new perspectives. The event, aimed at recruiting professionals, featured discussions, a career fair, and highlighted the ongoing importance of victim services, particularly in addressing issues within marginalized communities.
Connecticut’s No Mow May movement, championed by Laura Saucier, focuses on balancing lawn care with wildflower growth to support pollinators and raise awareness of their importance. With declining bee populations, there’s a push to preserve habitats and reduce pesticide use, showcased by initiatives like the Pollinator Pathway, promoting pesticide-free native plant areas for pollinating insects and birds.
Beavers, once near extinction due to over-hunting, are now rebounding in Connecticut, as described in a new book by Leila Philip. The book explores the evolving relationship between humans and beavers, highlighting their resurgence and the challenges of cohabitation. While some view beavers as a nuisance, others, like wildlife biologist Geoffrey Krukar, recognize their ecological importance and advocate for coexistence through creative solutions.
The EPA released new rules targeting PFAS contamination in drinking water, requiring municipalities and water companies to eliminate these chemicals due to their persistence and health risks. PFAS, commonly used in various products for years, pose dangers such as cancer and developmental issues, prompting urgent action from authorities. However, compliance with the EPA’s regulations presents financial challenges for water systems, resulting in legal battles between affected communities, water companies, and PFAS manufacturers for compensation and remediation costs.
