POLICE & FIRE
Earlier this week, the Greenwich Fire Department responded to a garage fire and explosion on Riversville Road, finding heavy smoke from the main house and a burn victim in the front yard. Firefighters discovered an underground hallway spreading the fire between the structures and used tankers from multiple areas due to the lack of nearby hydrants. The cause is under investigation, and the injured person was taken to a hospital.
Car enthusiasts can support the Greenwich Police Department’s Scholarship Fund at the 2024 GPD Benefit Car Show on June 8, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Greenwich Town Hall, with a rain date of June 9, 2024. The event features a variety of vehicles, free entry for attendees, and pre-registration for participants. Proceeds will benefit the scholarship fund for children of Greenwich Police officers. For more information or to become a sponsor, call (203) 622-7884 or visit https://www.gpdscholarshipfund.org .
FROM TOWN HALL
The Greenwich Department of Public Works will hold a hybrid public meeting on June 11, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the proposed Route 1 Corridor Adaptive Signal Control Technology Improvements project, which aims to improve air quality and reduce congestion. The project, estimated to cost $4 million, will be fully funded by a Federal Highway Administration grant. The meeting will also be accessible via Zoom, with details available on the town’s website. A 14-day comment period will follow the meeting for public input.
Starting on May 24 at 6 pm, the Town enforced restrictions on gas-powered leaf blowers in residential zones until September 30, with exceptions for larger properties after Labor Day. Electric leaf blowers are permitted year-round, and specific usage times are outlined. Violations can be reported at 203-622-8006, with fines beginning in 2025.
Beach season began on May 25 with the opening of Tod’s Point and Byram Beach, and the municipal pool at Byram Park which reopened on May 24. Residents should ensure their seasonal passes are ready and remember to prioritize safety and respect for natural resources. For updates on beach closures after rainfall, contact the Division of Environmental Services Beach Hot Line at 203-622-7855 or check online on the Town’s website.
The ferries to Island Beach and Great Captain’s Island will start service on June 8. Schedule information is available at https://www.greenwichct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/35670/IB-Ferry-Schedule-2024?bidId=
AROUND TOWN
At the May 14th Greenwich Planning & Zoning meeting, the commission denied an application to redivide their properties at 40 Ridgeview and 0 Ridgeview. Their plan, which included creating a new buildable lot and demolishing a historic cottage, raised concerns about conservation easements, flooding, and drainage. Despite revisions and assurances about the drainage design, unresolved issues and neighborhood flooding concerns led to the application’s rejection.
The Greenwich Board of Education is considering relocating from the deteriorating Havemeyer Building on Greenwich Avenue. First Selectman Fred Camillo and Advisory Committee Chair Andy Duus stress the urgency of the situation and advocate for exploring rental options. Despite concerns about leaving the historic building, the board is open to considering alternatives to ensure modern educational environments. The committee awaits the board’s decision on the matter.
The Grass Island wastewater treatment plant requires significant repairs, with the Department of Public Works securing $6.5 million in 2020 for equipment and recently gaining approval for an additional $6.5 million for a full renovation from the Board of Estimate and Taxation. DPW commissioner Amy Siebert highlighted the need for adjustments due to unforeseen complexities, emphasizing the necessity to address a critical bottleneck in the plant’s layout. The renovation will include replacing five crucial “settling tanks” for initial wastewater treatment, although questions arose about the timing of cost projections, attributed to volatile market conditions by Siebert, and despite scrutiny, both the budget committee and the full BET approved the project, with further endorsement pending from the Representative Town Meeting, as DPW anticipates further investments of around $55 million to safeguard the plant from future flooding and rising sea levels.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
The Greenwich Tree Conservancy’s Treasured Trees Program is seeking nominations for special trees on private properties. Selected trees will receive a nameplate and be featured in a reception on October 24th, 2024. Submit nominations online by June 30th at www.greenwichtreeconservancy.org .
The Old Greenwich Farmers Market began its 14th season on May 29, operating every Wednesday through October 30. It featured a variety of locally sourced vendors, including returning Connecticut Grown farms and new additions like Tiny Greens CT and Ideal Fish Co. The market also offered food, craft, and jewelry vendors, along with live music and a children’s playground.
The Bruce Museum has reinstated its “Lifetime of Looking” program for adults with cognitive decline and their caregivers, featuring guided tours and art-making activities. Research, including a 2009 MoMA study, shows that art engagement can improve mood and well-being for individuals with cognitive decline. The program is offered monthly at the Bruce Museum and regional senior living facilities. The next session is on Thursday, June 13 at 2:00 pm. For more information, visit BruceMuseum.org.
Filling in the Blanks recently announced that they have received a $100,000 grant from IMPACT Fairfield County, selected from nearly 60 applicants based on impact and project sustainability. Filling in the Blanks, which provides weekend meals to over 8,000 children and runs a mobile food pantry, will use the funds to hold seven more pantry events. This grant will enhance their ability to support families with fresh food and essential services, addressing food insecurity and related challenges.
Greenwich Public Schools is dedicated to informing the community about resources available to families facing food insecurity. These resources include the Town of Greenwich Department of Human Services, 211 of Connecticut, Feeding America, Connecticut Foodshare, and the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF). Each organization offers assistance and support to those in need. For more information and assistance, individuals can visit the respective websites of these organizations.
Tamarack Country Club in Greenwich kicked off its golf season with an event unveiling the renovated golf course and introducing a new outdoor poolside bar. The 18-hole course, designed in 1929 by Charles H. Banks, underwent restoration led by Brian Schneider to maintain its prestige, with improvements to bunkers, green areas, and tree management. Club President Chris Thompson expressed confidence in the renovations, and the club welcomed Michael Ballo Jr. as Head Golf Professional. The addition of the poolside bar enhances the club’s amenities, providing a versatile space for events, call 203-531-7300 or visit www.tamarackcountryclub.com for more information.
Greenwich Hospital recently completed its participation in the #GiveHealthy Movement’s food drive, providing fresh produce and nutritious foods to regional hunger organizations. Yale New Haven Health collected over 22,550 pounds of food, with Greenwich Hospital contributing 2,823 pounds. Beneficiaries included Caritas of Port Chester and Neighbor to Neighbor.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
On Wednesday, the Parent Teacher Association Council held the Essence Awards ceremony, honoring Dina Urso with the 2024 Essence Award and Frances Wu Nobay with the 2024 Lifetime Essence Award. The event recognized the contributions of several nominees who exemplify the PTA values of collaboration, commitment, respect, and integrity. The Essence Award, established in 2011, and the Lifetime Essence Award, introduced in 2017, celebrate the dedication and ongoing involvement of Greenwich Public Schools’ PTAs.
SCHOOLS
Earlier this month, Greenwich Public Schools honored six recipients of the 2024 Distinguished Teachers Award at Central Middle School. Nominations are submitted in March and reviewed by the Distinguished Teachers Awards Committee, which votes anonymously in April. This year’s distinguished teachers are Ana Maria Fals, Johanna Kolar, Lian Lam, Audrey Maurer, Ilene Rietsch, and Alyssa Stack.
Courtney Powers, a Social Studies teacher at Greenwich High School, will attend the Supreme Court Summer Institute in Washington, D.C. this June, joining 59 other selected teachers nationwide. The program, sponsored by Street Law, Inc. and the Supreme Court Historical Society, helps educators enhance their understanding of Supreme Court cases and teaching methods. After attending, teachers report increased confidence in discussing controversial issues and are prepared to lead workshops on the Supreme Court.
Ms. Michele DeRosa and Ms. Tyler Mecozzi, both Distinguished Teachers at Western Middle School, will present at the 2024 Empowered to Lead Symposium in Uncasville. They will discuss their interdisciplinary programs, Saturday Academy, and STEMinar. This annual conference, organized by the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council, focuses on advancing the education profession through various sessions and networking opportunities.
Old Greenwich School has implemented a food scrap recycling program, achieving a 79% waste reduction by sorting food waste, liquids, recyclables, and trash. Unopened food is collected and delivered to a local center twice a week. The program, part of the Zero Waste Schools initiative, is projected to divert nearly 12,000 pounds of trash annually and repurpose 36 pounds of food scraps daily for energy and compost, with various educational activities supporting its success.
Jeanne-Marie McAnanly, an ESL teacher at Greenwich High School, was honored with the Connecticut Educators Association’s Humanitarian Award for her work in teaching immigrants English and life skills. Her colleague, Kimberly Steinhorn, praised her as a master teacher who integrates community values into her lessons. Additionally, Jessica Baldizon and Joseph Goldman were recognized for their contributions to multicultural education and genocide studies, respectively.
Dr. Toni Jones announced Matthew Cerruto as the new assistant principal of Western Middle School, effective July 1. Previously, Cerruto served as interim assistant principal at WMS since March and was the assistant principal at Parkway School for two years. He has extensive experience with Stamford Public Schools from 2005 to 2022.
Greenwich Public Schools appointed Martha Ramkellawan as the new food services director, replacing David Nanarello. She will oversee all food service operations to meet USDA, state, and local standards. With over a decade of industry experience, Ramkellawan aims to improve meal quality and nutrition, promote healthy eating, and provide a positive dining experience for students.
Students at Old Greenwich School enjoyed a surprise “Dolphin Day” with an “under the sea” theme, featuring activities like Bubble Mania shows, beach party games, and a touch tank from The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. Casey Carl’s Bubble Mania show included a science lesson about bubbles. The event was organized by the school with PTA support.
On Friday, Dance China performed at the Old Greenwich School plaza to celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander month. The performance featured ancient Chinese folk art, including Peking Opera, Lion dance, kung fu, and the Red Ribbon Dance. This event provided students with a rich cultural experience.
SPORTS
The Greenwich High School girls tennis team advanced to the semifinals of the CIAC Class LL Girls Tennis Tournament with a 5-2 win over Wilton and secured a spot in the championship match by defeating Fairfield Ludlowe. Senior captain Kyra Dybas and sophomore Shining Sun led the Cardinals with impressive singles victories.
Greenwich High School’s baseball team advanced to the Round of 16 in the CIAC Class LL state Tournament by defeating Maloney 5-2 in the first round. Senior captains Troy Goodwin, Tommy Passamano, and John McHugh led the team with strong pitching and contributions at the plate.
The Greenwich High School girls track and field team secured third place at the FCIAC Championships with a total of 72 points, highlighted by senior Kate Friedman’s first-place finishes in the 1600-meter and 3200-meter runs. Ridgefield won the team championship with 126.5 points, followed by Danbury with 81 points.
Greenwich High School junior Ally Bauer finished third at the FCIAC Girls Golf Invitational Tournament, shooting a 78 at the Country Club of New Canaan. The tournament was won by Arabella Lopez of Ridgefield with a score of 72, and Chloe Cui of New Canaan placed second with a 75.
Grace Gapen won the NEPSTA Division I shot put title with a personal-best throw of 39 feet, 2.50 inches, making her the first Sacred Heart Greenwich athlete to win an event at the New England Division I meet. She also qualified for the Adidas Outdoor Nationals and contributed to her team’s ninth-place finish at the NEPSTA Championships.
Peter Watson won the Jim Fixx Memorial Day 5K Run in an impressive 16 minutes, 33.5 seconds, leading from the start. Despite the rainy conditions, the event celebrated its 60th anniversary with a strong turnout and competitive spirit, featuring standout performances from James Grasso, Erin Captain, and other participants.
Greenwich High School’s girls lacrosse team advanced to the FCIAC Tournament semifinals, where they narrowly lost to top-seeded New Canaan, 9-6. Despite the loss, they head into the CIAC Class LL tournament with strong momentum, starting their campaign against Stamford.
Brunswick School’s George Kapp and Reed Eddy excelled at the USRowing Northeast Youth Championships, earning bids to the USRowing Youth National Championships in Sarasota, FL. Kapp won the Under-17 single event, and Eddy placed fourth in the Under-19 single event, both showcasing their skills and achievements from the spring season.
Following a successful FCIAC Tournament run, the Greenwich High School girls tennis team aims for the CIAC Class LL Tournament title, starting their journey with a 6-1 victory over Westhill. Now 18-1, they face Wilton in the quarterfinals, with hopes to advance to the finals at Wesleyan University.
Greenwich High School’s boys tennis team defeated Manchester 7-0 in the first round of the CIAC Class LL Tournament despite a two-hour delay caused by traffic and bus issues. The win advanced Greenwich to the quarterfinals against Westhill, maintaining their undefeated season and extending their winning streak to 41 matches.
The Brunswick School lacrosse team concluded their 2024 season with an impressive 17-1 record and a No. 2 national ranking, despite losing 14-5 to Lawrenceville in the championship game of the National Preps tournament. Led by their senior captains, the Bruins maintained the No. 1 ranking throughout most of the season, showcasing strong performances and exceptional leadership.
LOCAL POLITICS
President Joe Biden plans to attend a fundraising event in Greenwich next week. The event, hosted at a donor’s home this coming Monday evening, will be attended by Governor Ned Lamont and Senator Chris Murphy, with notable guests including television producer Shonda Rhimes.
Leora Levy of Greenwich lost her bid for reelection as one of Connecticut’s representatives on the Republican National Committee. Annalisa Stravato, the Republican voter registrar in Wilton, won the endorsement for the position, starting after the GOP National Convention in Milwaukee this July. John Frey was unanimously reelected to another four-year term on the committee.
FROM HARTFORD
Governor Ned Lamont has signed new legislation expanding Connecticut’s paid sick days protections to cover more workers, effective January 1, 2025. This law will extend to almost all occupations and gradually lower the employer coverage threshold. It also broadens the definition of family members and allows paid sick leave during public health emergencies.
