POLICE & FIRE
The Round Hill Volunteer Fire Company’s firehouse will undergo renovations after the RTM approved $3.85 million for the project, addressing multiple code violations and including a 1,300 square foot addition. The renovation costs, totaling $4.85 million, will be partially offset by state reimbursement and private donations, reducing the town’s net cost to $2.6 million. Construction is expected to start in late summer and take about a year, with the firehouse remaining operational during the work.
On November 25, 2023, two luxury vehicles were stolen from a Greenwich car dealership. Detective Christopher Libasci’s investigation, which included reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing an Uber driver, and obtaining multiple search warrants, led to identifying and securing arrest warrants for three suspects. For his essential work in solving the case, Detective Libasci earned him the title of Officer of the Month.
FROM TOWN HALL
Greenwich’s annual fireworks displays will take place on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at Binney Park and Tod’s Point, with a rain date of July 7. Fireworks at Binney Park begin at 9:10 PM, and at Tod’s Point at 9:35 PM. Both parks have specific entry rules, parking instructions, and prohibited items; visitors should bring a flashlight and follow police directions for a safe and orderly event.
Eight third-grade students and their faculty from The Japanese School of Greenwich visited Town Hall, where they spoke with the First Selectman and toured a GEMS ambulance and the Town records vault. Town Clerk Jackie Budkins showed them the original deed for Greenwich and the First Selectman’s birth certificate, prompting the students to sing “Happy Birthday.” The visit is part of their annual tradition, appreciated by all involved.
Greenwich Green & Clean (GG&C) has announced a poster contest for K-12 students in conjunction with the International Coastal Cleanup in September, focusing on marine debris reduction and ocean health. Submissions, due by August 1, 2024, must include specific event details and adhere to digital format and size requirements. Winners will be announced on August 7, 2024, with prizes awarded for creativity, originality, and adherence to the theme. Find more info on https://www.greenwichgreenandclean.org/
AROUND TOWN
Last summer, the spotted lanternfly appeared. Currently, these insects are in their nymph stage and cannot fly. If you see one, squash it. This invasive species is in Connecticut, with populations in Fairfield and New Haven Counties. The spotted lanternfly threatens Connecticut’s environment, residential areas, and agriculture, particularly forests, orchards, vineyards, and nurseries. Eliminate these pests on sight.
Aquarion Water Company plans to finish its water main replacement on Greenwich Avenue by the end of the month. Despite requests to shift noisy operations to daytime, the Department of Public Works denied the change due to potential disruptions. The remaining work, including trench cutting, milling, and paving, is scheduled from June 24th to June 28th
Greenwich officials banned gasoline-powered leaf blowers during summer, effective May to September, with town departments granted a one-year exemption. For more information visit https://www.greenwichct.gov/2596/Noise-Ordinance-Education.
Ferry service to Island Beach and Great Captain Island has resumed for the summer. Tickets can be purchased online via the Town of Greenwich website or at the Ferry launch, with different options for those with or without a OnePass account. The Island Beach concession stand is operated by the local non-profit Abilis. For the ferry schedule please visit https://www.greenwichct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/35672/Ferry-Schedules-PDF?bidId=.
Greenwich’s summer concert series for 2024 will take place from June 26 to August 25, primarily at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, with additional shows at Binney Park and on the Long Island Sound. Concerts start at 7 p.m., with rain dates on Thursdays; pets and grills are not allowed. For weather updates, call 203-861-6100 after 4 p.m.
Greenwich plans to rejuvenate Veterans Plaza Park and erect a statue honoring George H.W. Bush, the 41st president and town native. The project includes new water features, improved lighting, and enhancements to the area around the old post office on Greenwich Avenue. Local veterans groups support the initiative, which will be presented as a fully funded gift to the Representative Town Meeting.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
On June 12th, Lauren Berger and Marla Felton of REAL presented their “REAL Food is Fuel” program to students at The Julian Curtiss School, teaching them to read food labels and make informed food choices. The session included lessons on evaluating food and distinguishing between fresh and fast food, followed by a field trip to Whole Foods Market to practice their new skills. This hands-on experience aimed to reinforce healthy eating habits.
The Greenwich Tree Conservancy is accepting nominations for its Treasured Trees Program, recognizing trees with special significance in Greenwich. Residents can nominate trees based on personal history, notable characteristics, or unique features. Winners will be honored this fall with a framed photograph and a nameplate, with submissions due by June 30.
The Greenwich United Way introduced nine new Board of Directors members at their annual meeting on June 12th and recognized three outgoing members for their combined 15 years of service. CEO David Rabin thanked the departing members and welcomed the new ones. The organization remains focused on addressing the community’s human service needs.
The first semester of the After-School Enrichment Program ended June 13th with a celebration of student achievements. The program supports Greenwich public school students with after-school care and enrichment activities. Staff dedication was key to the program’s success.
The Greenwich Chamber of Commerce will hold the 2024 Sidewalk Sales from July 11 to July 14 on Greenwich Avenue, with over 80 stores participating. Shoppers are advised to use public parking lots on side streets to avoid congestion. The event supports local businesses with discounted prices and promotes the “buy local/shop local” campaign.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
The Avon Theatre announced the winners of its 15th Annual Scholarship Awards Essay Contest, awarding $8,500 in prizes at a reception on June 6, 2024. The top winners are Hannah McCall, Wilton High School, first place ($2,000), studying film production at Emerson College; Sienna Alday, Stamford High School, second place ($1,500), studying zoology at the University of New Hampshire; Genevieve Baske, Greenwich High School, third place ($1,000), focusing on English and the arts at Wesleyan University. The contest had winners writing essays on films from 2023 or 2024.
SCHOOLS
Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones announced the appointment of Harry Burg as the new special education program coordinator starting mid-July. Burg, with over 30 years of experience in special education, will work with administrators and staff to enhance curriculum access for students with disabilities and coordinate professional development. He most recently served as the director of pupil services at Blind Brook-Rye Union Free School District in Rye Brook, NY.
The geothermal system at Hamilton Avenue School is scheduled for a cost analysis this fall to determine the best repair or replacement options. The Board of Education, the Board of Estimate & Taxation, and the Representative Town Meeting will review the findings to make an informed decision.
The Greenwich Country Day School’s Computer Science team won first place in the American Computer Science League (ACSL) Competition. They competed against 140 teams and achieved a perfect score.
The Greenwich Board of Education extended Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones’ contract to June 30, 2026, with a split vote, where Vice Chair Karen Hirsh and others supported, while Chair Karen Kowalski and Secretary Wendy Vizzo Walsh opposed. Kowalski and Walsh raised concerns about academic performance and transparency. Cody Kittle abstained, citing unspecified reservations about the contract’s structure.
On Tuesday, Windrose students graduated at the Byram Archibald Neighborhood Center, with attendees from the Greenwich Public Schools administration. Dr. Garfield Charles emphasized the graduates’ perseverance, and speakers like Dr. Toni Jones and Ralph Mayo encouraged them to pursue their dreams. The ceremony highlighted the readiness of Windrose graduates for future challenges through their experiences and internships.
Hamilton Avenue School’s STEAM Day featured a performance by “Bash the Trash” and showcased student projects. Students in grades K-5 engaged in problem-based learning within the STEAM framework, each grade focusing on a different theme and presenting their findings at a STEAM Challenge. Activities included building roller coasters, visiting the Star Lab planetarium, and creating cloud finders.
SPORTS
Brunswick School’s lacrosse team concluded a memorable season with a 17-1 record, reaching the Prep Nationals title game. Key players Hudson Hausmann, Luke Hublitz, and Robert Plath earned All-America and All-NEPSAC honors, with Hausmann continuing his lacrosse career at Brown University, Hublitz at the University of Virginia, and Plath at Georgetown University.
Six athletes from Greenwich High School’s girls lacrosse team earned All-FCIAC honors following a successful season, advancing to the FCIAC and CIAC Class LL Tournament semifinals with a 13-8 record. Senior Emma Abbazia, a standout midfielder, was named to the All-FCIAC First Team and will continue her lacrosse career at the University of Maryland.
Greenwich High School’s baseball team rebounded from a challenging previous season to win the FCIAC West Division title and secure the No. 2 seed in the FCIAC Tournament, finishing with a 12-8 regular season record and 13-10 overall. They won their first CIAC Class LL Tournament game against Maloney but were ultimately defeated by Fairfield Warde in the Round of 16.
Brunswick School’s George Kapp became the school’s first-ever national rowing champion by winning the Under-17 single event at the USRowing Youth Nationals in Sarasota, Fla. Kapp dominated all stages of the competition, finishing the 2000-meter final with a time of 7:31.43, over seven seconds ahead of the runner-up.
LOCAL POLITICS
The Board of Estimate & Taxation voted against releasing $450,000 for bringing Greenwich Avenue into ADA compliance, citing concerns about safety and commercial impact. This decision leaves the project, which includes upgrading intersections and parking spaces, uncertain.
OUR NEIGHBORS
The 10th Annual New Canaan Old Timers Golf Outing, benefiting the Vin Iovino Scholarship, is scheduled for June 25, 2024, at Fairchild Wheeler Golf Course in Fairfield, CT. The event begins at 1:00 PM with a scramble format. Ticket prices are $175 per golfer plus dinner or $50 for dinner only.
Kieran Smith from Ridgefield has qualified for Team USA’s 4×200 Freestyle Relay team for the 2024 Olympics by finishing fourth in the 200m freestyle at the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials with a time of 1:45.61. He also placed second in the 400m freestyle, which may lead to additional qualifications. In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Smith won a bronze medal in the men’s 400-meter freestyle.
Cheese & Bread opened on June 14 in South Norwalk, founded by Andrea Archvadze and Akaki Andguladze from the country of Georgia. The restaurant offers Georgian cuisine, featuring dishes including khachapuri and khinkali. They will be serving lunch, dinner, and breakfast starting in August. It can accommodate 100-140 guests, including a private events room. For more information and to place reservations please call 203-883-8000
Frank Pepe’s Pizza has opened a new location at the Bull’s Head Shopping Center in Stamford. The opening ceremony featured Gov. Ned Lamont and Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons, along with Frank Pepe’s granddaughters. The Stamford location, which features a coal-fired oven, will provide 50 new jobs and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
