POLICE & FIRE
During National Police Week 2024, from May 12th to May 18th, communities across the U.S. will honor law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. This year, 282 names will be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. The 36th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th will formally dedicate these names.
The Greenwich Police Department, as a First Responder agency, has most officers certified as EMTs and all personnel maintaining EMR certification. Dispatchers and officers work together to provide critical medical aid until paramedics arrive, contributing to high survival rates in emergencies. Sgt. Lyman is noted for his commitment to community safety and health.
FROM TOWN HALL
The Board of Selectmen approved a one-year exemption for town departments from the new gas leaf blower ban, which starts at the end of this month. The town had initially requested a three-year waiver due to the high replacement costs of $306,000 for their gas blowers. The exemption allows town departments to comply gradually, while private landscapers and residential properties must follow the new summer restrictions, with fines for violations beginning in 2025.
The Board of Selectmen held a second reading on an ordinance for Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Devices (ATESD), which will document vehicles exceeding speed limits by 10 mph or more, with fines starting at $50. The ordinance allows the Board to approve speed cameras without additional approvals, and a vendor selection process is underway, focusing first on school zones. An appeals process will be in place for citations, and revenue from fines will fund traffic safety initiatives.
The Greenwich Representative Town Meeting approved the largest budget in its history, totaling $501.3 million, with key allocations for school renovations and infrastructure improvements. The budget, reflecting a 4 percent increase over the previous year, passed with 194 votes in favor and three opposed.
This week, Greenwich became the third town in Connecticut to ban traveling acts from using specific wild animals. The Board of Selectmen clarified that the ban would not affect local events like the reindeer festival and church nativity scenes. First Selectman Fred Camillo and Selectperson Janet Stone McGuigan both supported the ban, with Camillo noting the town’s awareness of animal welfare issues and Hagen from the Humane Society highlighting the trend of similar bans across the U.S.
AROUND TOWN
A group of local residents in Town is conducting a survey to gather public opinion on tree removal regulations for private property. This grassroots effort aims to shape a proposed ordinance that was previously withdrawn for further work. Community feedback is important, and residents can share their perspectives by participating in the survey. For questions, contact Sandra Harris at Sandraharrisgreenwichrtm@gmail.com.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Greenwich residents are eager to get on the water as the weather warms. Tod’s Point Sailing School will offer sailing instruction and rentals at Greenwich Point starting May 25. Sign-ups for programs and rentals are now open.
The Friends of the Cos Cob Library will hold a fundraiser next month to support the library’s planned expansion, which includes adding a community room. The event will feature children’s activities, a presentation of the new plans, and refreshments. Deborah Armstrong emphasized that all donations will contribute to the building fund.
The Cos Cob Mianus Dugout Old Timers annual picnic returns this year after a pandemic hiatus. First Selectman Fred Camillo expressed his support for the event, which will honor co-founder and World War II veteran Fred Intrieri. The picnic will take place at Greenwich Point Park, starting at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are $80 and cover breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
In April, the Greenwich United Way’s “Sole Sisters” food drive collected 1,000 pounds of groceries for Neighbor to Neighbor, equating to nearly 900 meals. Supported by local businesses and institutions, this drive helped replenish Neighbor to Neighbor’s stocks after the holiday season. David Rabin, CEO of Greenwich United Way, highlighted the community involvement that made this the most successful food drive to date.
Greenwich Art to the Avenue will not occur this year but is set to return in 2025, as the Greenwich Arts Council reorganizes and plans for next year. Executive Director Tatiana Mori stated that participation has declined since the pandemic, necessitating early preparations and more store involvement. The council also aims to recruit more restaurants and secure corporate sponsorships to enhance the event.
On Mother’s Day 2024, Greenwich Hospital’s NICU team celebrated mothers of premature babies with a special event featuring baby footprint art cards, refreshments, and gifts. The celebration was part of the “All the Firsts by Parents” initiative, which recognizes milestones achieved by babies in the NICU. This initiative, part of Project Sweet Peas, emphasizes parental involvement in NICU care.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Omar Badr, a senior at Greenwich High School, has been named the 2024 State of Connecticut Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich (BGCG) for his leadership, service, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyle. Badr, who joined the Club in fourth grade, credits BGCG with shaping his life and helping him discover his passion for helping others. As Connecticut’s Youth of the Year, he will represent teens across the state, receive a $2,500 college scholarship, and compete in the Northeast regional event for a chance at further scholarships and national recognition.
On May 5, Col. Todd Bookless, a Greenwich resident and Iraq War veteran, retired from the New York Army National Guard after 30 years of service. Bookless, also a senior assistant vice president at HSBC and a West Point graduate, had deployments in Kuwait and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and served in various leadership roles. During the ceremony, he and his wife Meredith were honored with the New York State Conspicuous Service Medal, and he received the Legion of Merit.
SCHOOLS
Greenwich High School sophomore Lula Wang has received an “Outstanding Distinction” degree from the National Speech & Debate Association’s Honor Society. The NSDA Honor Society honors students and coaches for their involvement in speech and debate and is respected by college admissions offices. Recognition is earned through a points system that reflects hours of learning and practice.
Six juniors from Greenwich High School received honors from the National Council of Teachers of English in the annual Achievement Awards in Writing, which recognizes outstanding high school writers. The honorees include Cecilia Cho, Chloe Henske, YeonWoo Kook, Francesca Lotufo, Naomi Rosell, and Ellis Trahan. This year, 633 students from various regions, including 44 U.S. states and several international locations, were nominated for the awards.
Greenwich High School’s Rowan Center Student Advisory Board, The Rowan Center, and Greenwich Library have organized a panel on college safety for high school juniors, seniors, and their families, scheduled for May 30 at the Greenwich Library. The panel, led by experts, will discuss campus safety and violence prevention, providing data and advice for students and parents. Advance registration is required due to limited seating.
Ms. Mary Dolan Collette will become the assistant principal at Riverside School starting July 1, having served as interim assistant principal since November 2023. Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones highlighted her dedication and experience, noting the interview committee’s approval. Ms. Dolan Collette has been an educator since 1993, previously working as an elementary program facilitator and summer school principal in Fairfield.
Greenwich Country Day School hosted its first student-organized “Wheel-a-Thon” to support Good Sports, raising funds to provide sports gear for children in underserved areas. Participants used non-carbon-emitting transport to complete laps around the campus, with additional educational activities on bike safety and sustainable farming. The event, organized by the Earth Rise Club and junior Ben Shefter, aims to become an annual tradition.
Greenwich will receive about $22 million from the state for the Central Middle School rebuild, significantly more than the initially expected $7.7 million. The increased reimbursement rate was secured in the bonding legislation passed on May 8. Construction is set to begin in December, with the new school expected to open by August 2026.
Greenwich High School students successfully lobbied to keep advanced Latin courses, resulting in the combination of Latin 2, 3, and 4 Seminar into one class next year. GHS sophomore Riona McKersie raised concerns at the April 25 Board of Education meeting, emphasizing the importance of continuous Latin study for college admissions. The district committed to offering these courses and ensuring face-to-face instruction, expressing confidence in the new combined class setup.
SPORTS
Greenwich High School’s esports program placed 15th nationally in USA Today’s final “Super 25” rankings, being the only team from Connecticut on the PlayVS platform. Over 40 students participated in the program, with seven teams competing in five different games, and five teams advancing to the playoffs. The program fosters a sense of community and helps students form connections outside the classroom.
Mikey Brescia’s late goal gave Greenwich High School a two-goal lead against Darien, but the Blue Wave rallied with five consecutive goals to secure a 12-9 victory. This win extended Darien’s winning streak to five games as they head into the FCIAC Tournament, where they will face St. Joseph, while Greenwich will play against Ridgefield.
Following a tough loss to Darien, the Sacred Heart Greenwich Varsity A lacrosse team rebounded with a 12-8 win over Taft School on May 11. Junior Charley Bacigalupo led the scoring with four goals, and senior Payton Sfreddo added a hat trick.
Brunswick School’s lacrosse team maintained their undefeated season and top national ranking with victories over Avon Old Farms and Salisbury School, improving to 15-0 and clinching the New England West League I championship.
Mia Gangi hit her first career home run in her final home game for Greenwich High School, sparking a four-run rally in the seventh inning during a 9-5 loss to Norwalk. The Cardinals celebrated their Senior Day, honoring Gangi and her fellow seniors with a pre-game ceremony.
The Greenwich High School girls lacrosse team had a successful week, winning decisively against Norwalk and Northwest United, but falling in a close game to powerhouse Darien. The Cardinals’ standout performances included senior captain Emma Abbazia’s four goals against Darien, despite their 10-6 loss to the Blue Wave.
The Greenwich High School girls’ tennis team achieved a perfect 15-0 regular season with a 7-0 win over Fairfield Warde on May 9, securing the No. 1 seed for the upcoming FCIAC Tournament. Led by first-year coach Gerard Sulli and senior co-captains Kyra Dybas and Malena Schraa, the team aims for their first state championship since 2009.
The Brunswick School baseball team, finishing the regular season with a 12-2 FAA record, enters the FAA Tournament as the No. 2 seed after wins against King School and St. Luke’s School. They will host St. Luke’s in the tournament quarterfinals on Tuesday.
Greenwich High School baseball team is in prime position for the postseason with an overall record of 10-7 and a second-place standing in the FCIAC at 9-2. The Cardinals won their home game against Stamford but lost a close match on the road against Ridgefield.
Sacred Heart Greenwich’s Varsity A lacrosse team holds a 10-3 record, with their latest win being a 7-6 victory against Chatham High School. Despite a 9-7 loss to Darien High School, the team displayed strong performances from key players.
Greenwich High School’s boys lacrosse team celebrated its Senior Night with an 18-0 victory over Norwalk High School on May 8 at Cardinal Stadium. Senior Mateo Suppo led the Cardinals with three goals, while several other players contributed to the dominant win, improving their record to 8-6.
Greenwich Academy’s Varsity A lacrosse team held a 7-4 lead over The Taft School midway through the third quarter but eventually lost 11-10 in sudden victory overtime. Despite the loss, GA celebrated its Senior Day against Ridgefield High School, though the Tigers won 10-6, leaving Greenwich Academy with a season record of 10-6.
FROM HARTFORD
Governor Ned Lamont signed legislation banning dog racing in Connecticut, repealing previous laws that allowed it. Although the state hasn’t had active dog race tracks since 2005, the new law aims to prevent any future operations. The legislation, Public Act 24-1, takes effect on October 1, 2024.
