POLICE & FIRE
The Cos Cob Fire Police Patrol (CCFPP) has welcomed Mike Hisler, who was recently sworn in by Chief Kelly. This all-volunteer organization has served Greenwich since 1927. Those interested in joining can contact recruitment@ccfpp.org.
Deputy Chief Zuccerella and officers visited New Lebanon School to read to students of various grades. The children asked questions about police work and community service. The visit allowed students to become familiar with the Greenwich Police Department, and many said they would greet the officers when they see them.
FROM TOWN HALL
The town will hold a Juneteenth ceremony at Town Hall on June 19 from noon to 1:30 p.m., featuring a flag-raising and a proclamation reading, followed by Alvin Ailey’s Percussion Lecture Demonstration. Another Juneteenth event will take place at the Greenwich Historical Society on June 22, starting at 11 a.m., with live jazz, food, crafts, and more. Town Hall will remain open for regular business on June 19.
June 1 marks the start of hurricane season, making it crucial for residents to be prepared and informed. Throughout the summer local authorities and Emergency Management Director Joe Laucella will educate the community on proactive measures, such as developing a family emergency plan, assembling an emergency kit, securing property, staying informed, reviewing insurance coverage, and knowing evacuation zones. These steps can significantly reduce the impact of hurricanes and protect lives and property in Greenwich.
In Greenwich, low-income families often struggle to afford basic necessities like good shoes for their children. The 2024 Boots & Shoes fundraiser by the Greenwich Department of Human Services Fund collects donations to buy DSW gift cards for families with children aged 5 to 15, distributing them in August before the school year starts. Donations can be made online or by sending a check to the Greenwich Department of Human Services Fund.
The Greenwich Planning & Zoning Commission approved the Central Middle School application after a six-hour meeting, allowing the replacement of the 1958 school at 9 Indian Rock Lane in Cos Cob. The new site plan includes a 22-acre property with updated facilities, and Greenwich’s House delegation secured a 20% reimbursement for the $112 million project. The project is expected to go out to bid in mid to late summer, with construction potentially beginning in December and completion by summer 2026.
AROUND TOWN
Starting July 1, 2024, Greenwich residents must use a new entrance permit for the Holly Hill Resource Recovery Facility, which can be pre-ordered online and mailed by the end of June 2024. Each household gets one hanging tag, and permits will not be available at the facility. The permit costs $25 for residential waste disposal, with additional fees for certain vehicles and materials.
The Greenwich Department of Public Works held a public hearing to discuss upgrades for eight intersections on Greenwich Avenue to comply with ADA standards. Deputy DPW Commissioner Jim Michel outlined the plans, which include curb extensions (bump outs). The project, contingent on $450,000 of conditional funding, aims to replace sidewalks and curbs before repaving the avenue, while balancing ADA compliance with resident feedback.
A site plan and municipal improvement application have been submitted to the Greenwich Planning & Zoning Commission for a new 40,671-square-foot ice rink to replace the aging Dorothy Hamill Rink in Byram. The new facility will be built at Strazza Field, maintaining the current rink’s operation during construction, and will include a pedestrian path and improved traffic flow. The project, expected to cost $23 million, aims for design and planning funding in fiscal year 2026, with construction slated for fiscal year 2027.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
The Junior League of Greenwich awarded its Community Service Award to Greenwich High School junior Zara Haque for her work with the Greenwich Middle School STEM Fair and the STEM to Stern (STS) program. Since 1996, this award has recognized local high school girls who demonstrate significant commitment and leadership in community service. For more details, visit the Junior League of Greenwich’s website.
Summer Reading is open from June 10 to August 2 for all ages. Families can sign up on the Greenwich Library website and pick up their first giveaway at the library. Participants can track reading, complete challenges, earn prizes, and enter Grand Prize Raffles, with various events planned throughout the season.
The American Red Cross is experiencing a national blood shortage, impacting Greenwich. To address this, the annual Interfaith Blood Drive will be held on June 15 at First Presbyterian Church, with residents encouraged to register in advance. All blood types are needed, and community participation is crucial.
Tyler, a beloved member of the Greenwich community, struggled with addiction following a severe shoulder injury in his junior year. To honor his legacy, the Tyler G. Foundation was established to support those battling addiction. On June 18, Garden Catering will donate all proceeds from sales of Tyler’s favorite sandwich to the foundation.
On August 10, YWCA Greenwich will launch the Young Women’s Initiative (YW-I), a civic engagement training program for women aged 16 to 20. The event will feature seminars, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities aimed at developing community leaders. Applications are open to young women of all backgrounds, with a focus on those interested in civic engagement and activism. The application deadline is July 20, 2024. For more information or to register, visit www.ywcagrn.org/yw-i.
Greenwich Hospital recently held its 49th annual house staff graduation ceremony for 15 resident physicians and interns. President Diane Kelly and other leaders commended the graduates’ hard work before they received personalized messages and diplomas. The ceremony also featured seven awards recognizing exceptional service and achievements among the graduates and hospital staff.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Jo Conboy received the Greenwich Preservation Trust’s 2024 Preservation Leadership Award on June 9. Over nearly 50 years, she founded Save Our Shores and the Greenwich Preservation Trust, playing key roles in conserving coastal areas, restoring colonial land records, and saving the Thomas Lyon House. Her leadership has significantly impacted the town’s historical preservation efforts.
On Saturday, Thomas McKinney partnered with Greenwich Green & Clean for a cleanup effort at the Bible Street playground in Cos Cob, attracting around 40 volunteers. Thomas, driven by a long-standing passion for the environment, has been organizing cleanups since eighth grade and plans to continue until he graduates in 2025.
SCHOOLS
The 2024 Senior Awards Ceremony at Greenwich High School honored students across various disciplines, recognizing their achievements and resilience. Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones and Board of Education Chair Karen Kowalski spoke about the students’ hard work and the support from their families. Principal Ralph Mayo concluded by honoring the Salutatorians, Esme Daplyn and Ziyi Yan, and the Valedictorian, Hanna Klingbeil Canale.
The GPS Behavior Support Team launched a mindfulness ambassador program where older students teach younger ones stress management and emotional regulation. Macklin Zulli, an eighth grader, trained for weeks in mindfulness techniques. He recently visited Riverside School to teach kindergarteners calming breathing exercises.
Last month, Hamilton Avenue School’s Odyssey of the Mind team, led by coach Mrs. Cathy Byrne, traveled to Iowa for the World Finals, where they competed against 686 teams from around the world. They participated in both the Spontaneous and Long Term Problem portions, finishing 26th with an original play set in Candyland. The team expressed gratitude to their community for the support and donations that enabled their participation.
Late last month, Greenwich High School’s ESOL Department held its annual “End of Year Celebration,” recognizing students with Course and Community Awards. Senior awards included the ESL Program Award, Wataru J. Narita Award, and Ardith Williams Book Award. A complete list of award recipients was available in the evening’s program.
Last month, North Street School hosted a parent-child retreat focused on mindfulness and yoga, funded by the Greenwich Alliance for Education. Families spent time together, participating in activities aimed at relaxation and practicing mindfulness and yoga to calm their bodies and minds. They also learned strategies to promote a growth mindset.
In August, the Greenwich Historical Society, Daughters of the American Revolution Horseneck Chapter, and Alliance Française Greenwich will commemorate the 200th anniversary of Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to the U.S. with an event at Town Hall. A display by Greenwich High School students Riona McKersie and Abigail Otterstedt was recently unveiled to honor this historic visit.
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York recognized a team from Greenwich High School in the annual High School Fed Challenge, selecting their podcast script for publication in the Journal of Future Economists. The theme was “The Economics of Work,” and the team’s paper, “Gig-a-Bite: Food Delivery and the Rise of the Gig Economy,” analyzed the gig economy in the local food delivery market. Their work included interviews with local business managers and examined various economic aspects like labor laws and minimum wage.
Last month, Parkway School hosted its second “Get Outside and Play for Children’s Mental Health Day,” featuring various non-competitive activities like yoga, outdoor games, and a nature scavenger hunt. The event emphasized the importance of outdoor play for mental health. The Digest newsroom is now contemplating a similar event for adults.
Late last month, Greenwich High School’s ESL Biology class visited the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk. Students worked in mixed-language groups, participated in a photo scavenger hunt, fed cownose rays, and watched a 4D movie with sensory special effects.
Last month, GHS’ Windrose program students performed the interactive play “Believe in Your Dreams” for preschoolers at New Lebanon School. The play aimed to inspire children to pursue their dreams and taught strategies for success, including friendship, perseverance, hard work, and stress management through breathing exercises. The students wore costumes of superheroes and Disney characters.
Hamilton Avenue School recently hosted WNBC meteorologist Violeta Yas, who discussed weather science and demonstrated cloud formation to fifth graders. Her visit complemented the students’ recent climate unit. The students were enthusiastic about applying their lessons to real-world concepts.
During New Lebanon School’s annual Field Day, Principal Daniel Russo announced that third-grade teacher Ana Maria Fals was the district’s nominee for the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Program, correcting an error in the event signage. Ms. Fals, who has been with Greenwich Schools since 2006, was honored at the Board of Education meeting on June 13.
SPORTS
Greenwich High School’s Yume Inagawa and Cameron Sowter won the doubles championship at the CIAC Invitational Girls Tennis Tournament, defeating Phoebe Shostak and Paige Seaver of Fairfield Ludlowe. The duo, who played at No. 2 doubles throughout the season, went undefeated in the CIAC Invitational, helping the Cardinals secure their first CIAC Class LL Tournament title since 2009.
The Greenwich High School girls lacrosse team narrowly lost to Darien 7-6 in the CIAC Class LL Tournament semifinals, missing the championship game by two goals. Senior Emma Abbazia led the Cardinals with two goals and one assist, while sophomore Anna Von Kennel scored the game-winning goal for Darien.
LOCAL POLITICS
The Representative Town Meeting confirmed the renomination of Health Board members Lauren O’Keefe and Dr. Sarah Gamble.
FROM HARTFORD
This week, Governor Lamont signed H.B. 5524, eliminating college degree requirements for most state government jobs in Connecticut. Senator Ryan Fazio and House Majority Leader Jason Rojas championed the law to broaden job access based on skills and experience. The legislation formalizes existing practices by the Department of Administrative Services, ensuring continued pro-opportunity policies.
OUR NEIGHBORS
Pacific House received a $50,000 donation from O&G Industries, marking the company’s 100th anniversary. The funds will support various initiatives, including providing meals for shelter residents. Representatives from both organizations celebrated the donation at a special presentation.
