MEMORIAL DAY
In Cos Cob, the local VFW will host a ceremony at the pocket park near the Greenwich Historical Society on May 25 at 10:30 a.m.
The Glenville Volunteer Fire Company and the 9th District Veterans Association will hold a parade through downtown Glenville on May 26 at 5 p.m.
In Byram, the Veterans Memorial Day parade will be held on May 26 at 1 p.m. along Delavan Avenue.
On May 27 at 8 a.m., the Greenwich American Legion Post 29 will hold a ceremony at the Indian Harbor Yacht Club.
On May 27 at 10 a.m., a ceremony at Eugene Morlot Memorial Park will honor 13 men from Byram School who died in military service.
The Old Greenwich Memorial Day parade will begin at the Sound Beach Volunteer Fire Department on May 27 at 10 a.m.
POLICE & FIRE
The Connecticut Fire Academy recently graduated three individuals: Waida, Faria, and Keough. The GFD looks forward to their future contributions.
This week, we celebrated EMS Week 2024 by honoring the dedication of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals. Paramedics and EMTs are essential, demonstrating quick thinking and expertise that save lives daily.
FROM TOWN HALL
Connecticut’s Renter’s Rebate Program is accepting applications until October 1, 2024. The program provides financial assistance to elderly and disabled renters with incomes below certain limits, offering up to $900 for married couples and up to $700 for single individuals. For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit https://linktr.ee/greenwichdhs.
The Women in Government event at Town Hall, organized by the Greenwich Girl Scouts and the League of Women Voters, enabled local Girl Scouts to meet female town officials, including Selectwoman Lauren Rabin and Selectperson Janet Stone McGuigan. First Selectman Fred Camillo praised the event and thanked the organizers. Mina Moylan, a first grader, missed the event but was later given a personal tour of Town Hall by Camillo to help her earn her Democracy for Daisies merit badge.
The ban on gas-powered leaf blowers will start on Friday, May 24, at 6 p.m., as part of a new noise ordinance approved in January. The ordinance, promoted by Quiet Yards Greenwich, aims to reduce noise and pollution, with restrictions primarily affecting residential zones. The Board of Selectmen discussed the ordinance and potential variances, including a one-year exemption for the Parks and Recreation Department, at their meeting on May 23.
The Town of Greenwich Department of Public Works will hold a hybrid public hearing on May 30 to discuss ADA accessibility improvements for Greenwich Avenue. The project includes upgrades to parking, sidewalks, pedestrian ramps, curbs, landscape beds, and lighting at several key intersections. These improvements aim to meet modern ADA standards.
First Selectman Fred Camillo stated that the town must relocate the Board of Education from the deteriorating Havemeyer Building, as repairs could cost up to $50 million. During a meeting, he and Andy Duus discussed potential relocation sites, emphasizing safety concerns like asbestos and mold. Camillo suggested considering a long-term rental, while Board member Kathleen Stowe expressed concerns about the high cost of downtown rental options and proposed housing the board in Town Hall instead.
AROUND TOWN
On Friday, May 24, at 9:30 a.m., the Greenwich PTA Council will hold a public forum on Zoom titled “Antisemitism and Hate: The Impact on Our Kids.” The event will include the Antisemitism and Anti-Hate Task Force and a presentation by Erika Brunwasser, associate regional director of ADL Connecticut. She will discuss the impact of antisemitism and hate on students and strategies to address these issues in schools. Participants must display their full names on Zoom to be admitted. The forum is open to everyone.
W. R. Berkley Corporation has applied for approval to build a three-story office building across from its headquarters at 475 Steamboat Road in Greenwich. The project involves demolishing several existing structures on Davenport Avenue and Steamboat Road to construct the new building with additional parking. The proposal will be reviewed by the Planning & Zoning Commission in the coming weeks.
A six-story building with 120 units, nearly half designated as affordable housing, has been approved for central Greenwich, using state law 8-30g to bypass local zoning regulations. The project, which merges 12 properties around Benedict Place and Benedict Court, has faced opposition due to its size and non-compliance with several town standards. Despite objections, the commission approved the project by a 4-1 vote, emphasizing their obligation to follow state law.
Mumford & Sons will perform at the Greenwich Town Party this weekend, which is an all-day music festival for Greenwich residents and workers. Founded by Ray Dalio in 2011, the event features renowned acts and local artists, and it is organized by the nonprofit Greenwich Town Party, Inc. The festival, running from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, is supported by sponsor donations and an auction, and typically sells out each year.
Gregory Kramer, Greenwich Tree Warden, has approved the removal of 188 trees for the Central Middle School project, with six conditions including a two-year maintenance agreement and protection measures for remaining trees. This decision followed a public hearing where various stakeholders supported the removal for safety and construction needs. Despite objections from the Greenwich Tree Conservancy, the plan includes planting over 300 new trees and 600 shrubs.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
This year’s 18th annual Swim Across America – Fairfield County event on June 29 introduces the “Queen Willa” Kids’ Splash, honoring five-year-old Willa Kosh, who is battling pediatric leukemia. Children up to age 11 can participate in this new feature, with proceeds supporting the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy. The event also includes half-mile, 1.5-mile, and 3-mile swim distances, with registration details available at swimacrossamerica.org/fc.
Impact Fairfield County awarded two $100,000 grants to the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford and Filling in the Blanks, along with three $20,000 grants to other nonprofits. The grants support a range of services, including early literacy, human services transportation, youth counseling, maternal health, and mobile food pantries. This year, Impact FFC has provided over $2.1 million in grants, engaging women in local philanthropy and supporting diverse community initiatives.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Greenwich Hospital’s annual Nurse’s Day celebrated staff dedication with four awards: the Helen Meehan Award, the Physician Partner-in-Care Award, the Partner-in-Care Award, and the inaugural COLLABORATIVE Award, all nominated and voted on by staff. Caitriona Perna, Dr. Nidhi Y. Shah, Calvin Loving, and Renee Rafferty were the recipients, recognized for their excellence and contributions. Chief Nursing Officer Anna Cerra highlighted the importance of acknowledging the hard work of all staff in delivering quality care.
SCHOOLS
This past Saturday, the Greenwich Water Club hosted the fourth annual Greenwich Middle School STEM Fair, where students shared their research and connected with peers. Organized by the First Selectman’s Youth Commission, the event underscored the community’s commitment to supporting academic curiosity and innovation among young people.
Each year, Greenwich Country Day School students nominate teachers for yearbook dedications, selecting one from the Middle School and one from the Upper School. This year, English teachers Anna Cruz and Shaun Kelly were honored for their contributions. Cruz has taught for four years in the Upper School, while Kelly has a 35-year tenure in the Middle School.
Patrick O’Connor, a member of the Class of 2024, has been honored with the Abilis Peter Bloomer Citizenship Award.
Starting next year, Greenwich High School will eliminate its flex period, with the Board of Education voting 6-1 in favor of the change. This decision, made due to ineffective use of the time by many students, will result in a new schedule where students are dismissed at 2:55 p.m., and all class periods are extended to 55 minutes. Despite concerns about the impact on club meetings and potential traffic issues, the district believes the change will benefit students’ learning by reallocating flex time to classroom instruction.
Mary Dolan Collette, interim assistant principal at Riverside School since January 2, will assume the permanent role on July 1. Superintendent Toni Jones highlighted her dedication and extensive experience, which impressed the interview committee. Dolan Collette, with a career in education since 1993, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and looks forward to working with the new principal, Jason Martín.
SPORTS
Last Sunday, the Brunswick Bruins lost to the Lawrenceville Big Red 14-5 in the Prep Nationals finals at Cosby Field. Despite the loss, Brunswick finished the season with a 17-1 record and ten seniors moving on to Division I lacrosse programs. The team also enjoyed an undefeated regular season and six weeks as the nation’s top-ranked team.
Greenwich High School baseball team rebounded from a 2-5 start to finish their regular season 10-3, earning the No. 2 seed in the FCIAC Tournament, but were shut out 15-0 by Staples in the quarterfinals. Despite the loss, Greenwich’s coach Adrian Arango emphasized their resilience and looks forward to their home game in the upcoming Class LL state tournament.
Greenwich High School boys tennis team secured their second consecutive FCIAC Boys Tennis Tournament title with a 4-2 win over New Canaan, extending their undefeated streak to 40 matches. The Cardinals’ strong singles performances and a crucial doubles match victory highlighted their dominance, as they aim for continued success in the upcoming CIAC Class LL Tournament.
Sacred Heart Greenwich’s Varsity A lacrosse team triumphantly secured the 2024 Prep Cup championship, emerging victorious with a 3-0 record in the tournament held at Dexter Southfield School in Massachusetts, finishing the season with a commendable 15-3 record and securing the 19th spot in the USA Lacrosse High School Girls National 25 Rankings.
Greenwich Country Day School’s girls varsity lacrosse team has consistently performed well in the Fairchester Athletic Association over four seasons, making the postseason each year and reaching the FAA Tournament semifinals again this spring. Despite a loss to Holy Child in the semifinals, the team showed resilience throughout the game, with standout performances from players like junior Ella Wilner, who scored seven goals, indicating promise for future seasons.
Sacred Heart Greenwich’s Varsity A lacrosse team celebrated Senior Day with an impressive 11-5 victory over NEPSAC rival Hotchkiss School, securing their 12th win of the season and improving their record to 12-3. Senior midfielder Lila O’Brien led the team with five goals, supported by contributions from senior midfielder Maggie Bacigalupo and senior midfielder Payton Sfreddo, while junior midfielder Charley Bacigalupo and senior attack Wowie Walker also added to the scoreline.
The Brunswick School lacrosse team secured a spot in the Prep Nationals championship game for the third consecutive year, facing Lawrenceville School, their recurring rival. Brunswick’s unbeaten record of 17-0 sets the stage for a highly anticipated showdown between the top two ranked teams in the nation, with both teams expressing enthusiasm for the upcoming match.
Greenwich and Ridgefield High School girls lacrosse teams have a storied postseason rivalry, with recent matchups including victories for each team in the FCIAC Tournament quarterfinals in 2022 and 2023. In their latest encounter, Greenwich secured a 13-11 victory over Ridgefield in the FCIAC quarterfinals, advancing to face New Canaan in the semifinals with standout performances from players like Emma Abbazia and Aubrey Roth.
Greenwich Academy’s Varsity A lacrosse team secured the FAA Tournament title with a commanding 12-5 victory over Holy Child, marking a triumphant end to their season. Led by senior captain Dylan Casazza’s impressive performance, including her 100th point of the season, the team displayed exceptional teamwork and determination, capping off a successful campaign.
Greenwich High School’s baseball team secured the No. 2 seed in the FCIAC Tournament and clinched the FCIAC West Division title with victories against Norwalk and Fairfield Warde. In their win against Norwalk, freshman Luke Langhorne pitched impressively, supported by strong offensive performances from players like John McHugh and Cody Baker, while against Warde, Aidan Brehm contributed offensively and James Mora’s relief pitching helped secure the victory.
Greenwich High School’s boys lacrosse team concluded their winning regular season with a 15-6 victory against Carmel High School, improving their record to 9-7, with Mikey Brescia leading with six goals and one assist. The Cardinals boys volleyball team also secured a win against Norwalk High School in a close 3-2 match, with James Kovac, Keito Fukushima, and Hiro Sibble playing key roles in the victory.
Greenwich Country Day School’s boys track and field team clinched their first Fairchester Athletic Association championship with a team score of 147 points, narrowly beating out Brunswick School who finished second with 144 points. The girls team secured their highest ranking to date at the league meet, with notable performances from athletes across various events leading to 11 school records, six wins, and 14 All-FAA performances.
Brunswick School’s baseball team secured a spot in the championship game of the FAA Tournament by defeating St. Luke’s School 2-0, with sophomore Teddy Bancroft pitching six scoreless innings and senior Jerry Guzman closing the game with a save; they will face Hamden Hall Country Day School in the final, a rematch from the 2023 championship game which Brunswick won. The Bruins’ victory was marked by strong pitching, solid defense, and timely hitting, with key plays including Jayden Montanez’s RBI single in the second inning and Alex Giannuzzi’s RBI single in the sixth inning.
Greenwich High School’s girls tennis team secured another decisive victory in the FCIAC Tournament quarterfinals, defeating Westhill High School 5-2 and advancing to the semifinals. The Cardinals, now 16-0 for the season, dominated with wins in both singles and doubles matches, displaying strong teamwork and determination as they aim for their first FCIAC Tournament championship since 2012 and their first state title since 2009.
LOCAL POLITICS
As the 2024 election cycle begins, most of Greenwich’s state legislature delegation is running for reelection, except for Rep. Stephen Meskers from the 150th District, who is undecided. Meskers is weighing personal considerations before deciding on another term, while his colleagues Reps. Rachel Khanna, Hector Arzeno, and state Sen. Ryan Fazio have all filed for reelection.
ACROSS CT
Yale graduate students tested a turtle-shaped robot named ART in a 20,000-gallon pool, designed by Professor Rebecca Kramer-Bottiglio’s team to scan and document coastal life. ART, which transitions from flippers to legs, was previously tested in lakes and beaches but now benefits from a climate-controlled wave pool at Yale. Kramer-Bottiglio collaborates with the U.S. Office of Naval Research, aiming for ART to aid divers, detect underwater mines, transport materials, and collect samples for infectious disease studies without disturbing wildlife.
