POLICE, FIRE, & EMS
Last Thursday afternoon, the town’s fire administration arranged for an external company to professionally clean and inspect the firefighting gear of all personnel. This meticulous process included the equipment of both the Round Hill volunteer fire company and their career firefighter counterparts.
Last week on I-95, a tractor-trailer collided with Engine 1, causing a secondary multi-vehicle crash. Several individuals were extricated from their vehicles and transported for medical attention, including three firefighters who sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The Connecticut State Police are investigating the incident. All three firefighters have since been released from Stamford Hospital and are recovering.
Greenwich Police Officers Brooke Lombardo and Nolan Heintz, along with Emergency Management Director Joseph Laucella, completed the CERT Train the Trainer course and are now qualified to train others. The CERT program educates the community on disaster preparedness and provides training in basic response skills. Director Laucella aims to expand the program’s membership and community involvement.
On July 3rd, the GFD responded to reports of flames from the roof of the Mill Complex on Pemberwick Road. Firefighters arrived quickly, attacked the fire, and evacuated the building occupants. There were no injuries, and the response minimized damage to several businesses. The Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.
Greenwich EMS received the 2024 Mission Lifeline Gold Award from the American Heart Association for its prehospital cardiac care. For four years, they have maintained high standards in early heart attack and stroke detection through collaboration with Greenwich Police and Greenwich Hospital. This recognition underscores their commitment to making Greenwich a HeartSafe Community.
FROM TOWN HALL
Greenwich Parks and Recreation’s 4th Annual Community Photo Contest will run from July 1 to July 31, 2024, inviting residents to submit photos of the town’s parks and recreational facilities. Participants must be 18 or older, with up to four high-quality, filter-free photos per person, taken within Greenwich and free of identifiable individuals. Winners, announced in mid-August, will receive prizes, and entries may be used by the department for various purposes. Please contact pnrecs@greenwichct.gov with any questions. Submit photos here: https://www.greenwichct.gov/FormCenter/Parks-and-Rec-29/Photo-ContestLove-of-PR-309
Visitors to Town Hall can view the Wallace Center Members Summer Art Show in the first-floor hallway until August. The exhibit features various paintings by Wallace Center members, formerly known as the Greenwich Senior Center, available for purchase. The paintings are on display during regular Town Hall hours, Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 4 pm.
The Alliance Française of Greenwich will raise the French flag at Greenwich Town Hall on July 12th to celebrate Bastille Day, marking the storming of the Bastille in 1789. The ceremony will include a proclamation, national anthems, and recognition of student projects honoring the Marquis de Lafayette’s visit. Upcoming events related to Lafayette’s tour will also be noted.
AROUND TOWN
On June 30, the Greenwich community and neighboring areas commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Gulliver’s NightClub Fire, with officials reflecting on the event. The tragedy led to advancements in fire prevention, building safety, and first responder training. Mayor Luis A. Marino and First Selectman Fred Camillo were thanked for organizing the event.
A reminder now that summer and hot weather are both in full swing. The National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) warns that drowning can happen quickly and silently, often within 20 to 60 seconds. If a child is missing, check the pool first. Every second counts.
Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and the local administration are organizing a ceremony to honor Korean War veterans, with details to be finalized soon. The aim is to gather information from veterans and their families for recognition. Contact Ken Borsuk at ken.borsuk@greenwichct.gov or 203-622-7702 for more information.
With the school year ending, families relying on the district’s free lunch program can access state-sponsored assistance to ensure their children are fed during the summer. Free meals for children aged 18 and under will be available at various locations, which can be found online or by texting “SUMMER MEALS” to 914-342-7744.
The Parish of St. Catherine of Siena and St. Agnes Parish will host the annual Carnival of Fun from July 10 to July 13. The event will include live music, games, rides, a nightly 50/50 cash prize raffle, and food from local vendors. Proceeds will support the parish’s social services, including food and clothing distribution and aid for Ukraine.
The Greenwich Board of Selectmen will join the Greenwich Youth Conservation Program (GYCP) teens to plant trees at Greenwich Point, showing support for the summer work program managed by the Greenwich Departments of Human Services and Parks and Recreation. Established in 1978, the GYCP involves local teens in conservation projects and provides job experience. The event is scheduled for July 16, with a rain date of July 17, and interested attendees are encouraged to RSVP.
On Tuesday, the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program announced that mosquitoes near the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center in Old Greenwich tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV), the first detection in Greenwich this year. Similar cases have been reported in nearby towns, and Greenwich has implemented a larviciding program to reduce mosquito populations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that WNV is the leading mosquito-borne disease in the U.S., with no vaccines or specific treatments available.
Palmer Hill Road in Greenwich may receive a “scenic roadway” designation, offering greater protection from future alterations and public works projects. The application, submitted by two District 12 Representative Town Meeting members, emphasizes the road’s historical significance, including an old stone bridge over the Mianus River. If approved, any changes to the road would require additional public input and approval from the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Plans for a new residential development in Glenville, involving a two-and-a-half-story building with 15 rental units, are facing criticism due to concerns over the removal of the Mansion’s porte-cochere and several old trees. The Mansion, built in 1886, would be preserved as part of the project. The proposal is currently under review by the town’s Historic District Commission to ensure it aligns with the Historic Overlay Zone guidelines.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
After a recent health-related leave, Lucy Langley, Co-Executive Director of The Undies Project, has decided to retire. Langley co-founded The Undies Project in 2015, providing new underwear to those in need, distributing nearly 600,000 undergarments to over 50 organizations in the Tri-State Area. Since moving to Greenwich in 2002, Langley has been a volunteer, working to build and sustain the non-profit organization.
Greenwich’s annual sidewalk sales, organized by the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce, will host nearly 100 vendors on Greenwich Avenue and nearby streets until Sunday, July 14. Sponsored by Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery Specialists, the event runs daily from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. except on July 14, when it closes at 5 p.m. Shoppers are advised to wear comfortable shoes and utilize alternative parking options due to expected congestion along the Avenue.
Last weekend, ten students from Christ Church Greenwich, led by Youth Director Josh Barton, participated in the Midnight Run. They packed food, including turkey and peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, at the church. Then, they drove to New York City at night to distribute these meals and socks to those in need.
Greenwich Versailles Farm donated a variety of fresh produce to Neighbor to Neighbor, including kale, Swiss chard, and buttercrunch lettuce. This contribution supports local families with nutritious greens.
The Annual Golf & Tennis Tournament Fundraiser was held at the Greenwich Country Club with support from players, donors, co-chairs Peter Carlson, Melissa Graham, and Dave Osborn, and lead sponsors Aristeia Capital, L.L.C., and FLOWCODE. Winners were recognized, and there is anticipation for next year’s event.
Summer Friday Hours began at the Main Library last Friday. From July 5 through August 30, the library will close at 5 PM each Friday. Visitors should come early to get their weekend reading materials.
Ashley Rodon, Bob Capazzo, and Adam Vohra met with First Selectman Fred Camillo to discuss The Rodon Foundation’s work and upcoming events, including a planned event in Greenwich on September 30. The foundation, associated with New York Yankees’ pitcher Carlos Rodon, is a registered 501(c)3 organization. The meeting aimed to support their efforts and explore collaboration.
Last weekend marked the grand reopening of Greenwich Animal Hospital, a key provider of animal care since the 1950s, following significant renovations. The event also featured Adopt-A-Dog, which received a positive response for its pet adoption efforts. The hospital’s updated facility aims to better serve animals and support adoption initiatives.
Neighbor to Neighbor has surpassed 8,000 deliveries through its partnership with DoorDash’s Project DASH, part of a national total of over 6 million deliveries. Since 2022, Neighbor to Neighbor has used DoorDash to provide weekly food deliveries to over 130 households in Greenwich. The organization acknowledges the support of the Greenwich Department of Human Services, particularly in assisting individuals with disabilities.
GrahamBerries, organic blueberries from Abilis, are available for a limited time at locations in Greenwich. Berries can be purchased from Abilis Gardens & Gifts, The Café at Greenwich Library, Island Beach Concession Stand, Cos Cob Firehouse, Old Greenwich Farmers Market, and Greenwich Town Hall. 50 Glenville Street, Greenwich, Connecticut. Sourced from “Blueberry Hill” farm in New York, these berries are named after Graham Orzulak, an Abilis community member. Priced at $12 per quart, $8 per pint, and $5 per half-pint, orders can be placed by calling Abilis Gardens & Gifts at 203-531-GIFT.
A Greenwich restaurant, L’Escale, has been honored with Wine Spectator’s 2024 Best of Award of Excellence, joining 3,700 global establishments. The awards recognize restaurants with extensive and well-curated wine lists, categorized into three tiers: Award of Excellence, Best of Award of Excellence, and Grand Award. L’Escale’s recognition places it among 1,531 restaurants worldwide that demonstrate exceptional wine programs.
Barbara’s House in Greenwich received an $85,000 state grant to support summer mental health programming for the next two years. This funding is part of a $2 million allocation to various local entities under the Connecticut State Department of Education’s Summer Mental Health Supports Grant program, funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This grant is the third round of ARPA-funded grants for improving access to mental health services for Connecticut’s youth.
“James,” a novel by Percival Everett, provides the perspective of Jim, a runaway slave from “Huckleberry Finn,” and has been selected for this year’s Greenwich Reads Together program. Everett will visit Greenwich in October to discuss the book, which has been well-received by major publications. The program includes various activities and discussions, with registration for the event opening in September.
The Greenwich Historical Society acquired “Front Porch,” a painting by John Henry Twachtman from 1896-1899, depicting his home’s entrance on Round Hill Road, linked to the Cos Cob Art Colony. This acquisition underscores their dedication to preserving this influential period in American art, celebrated with a donor reception in June. Notably, John Nelson, a contributor, resides in Twachtman’s former home, adding a personal connection to the artistic legacy of the region.
The League of Women Voters Greenwich honored four individuals at their annual dinner at Riverside Yacht Club on June 5. LB Savitz received the Mary Award for dedication to the League and community, named after Mary Sullivan and Mary Lou Woods. Deirdre Kamlani was recognized with the Burnett Award for contributions strengthening LWV Greenwich, while Mary Hegarty and Fred DeCaro received the Community Impact Award for promoting civic engagement.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Ella Whitridge, a 16-year-old student at Greenwich High School, observed the deteriorated condition of American Legion Post 29 in Glenville and initiated a fundraiser for its cleanup. Located at 248 Glenville Road and owned by Greenwich, the project received initial approval from the Board of Selectmen on June 27 but requires further town approvals and funding. First Selectman Fred Camillo intends to allocate funds for repairs, and Whitridge established www.teensanswerthecall.org for donation updates.
Seaman Seth Kim graduated as the top performer from Recruit Training Command on June 20, receiving the Military Excellence Award (MEA). Kim emphasized that achieving this award represents a crucial achievement in his naval career, reflecting on the goals he set with his family before entering boot camp. He aimed to excel daily as a recruit and views winning the MEA as a humbling yet empowering validation of his dedication and future potential.
SCHOOLS
Greenwich Public Schools announced the appointment of Mrs. Lauren Bird as the new assistant principal at Cos Cob School. Mrs. Bird brings 15 years of educational experience in Connecticut and will work with Principal Kerry Gavin to support the school community and achieve its goals. She previously served as assistant principal at Cider Mill and Miller-Driscoll Schools in Wilton and holds degrees in Elementary Education, Curriculum and Instruction, and Educational Leadership from the University of Connecticut.
Greenwich Public Schools has announced the appointment of Mr. David Cheris as the new assistant principal at Parkway School, effective immediately. Cheris, who has 16 years of experience in education, will support Principal Mary Grandville and the school community. He replaces Mr. Matthew Cerruto, who has transferred to Western Middle School.
Greenwich Public Schools’ nurses have secured a new labor agreement with a 7.5 percent salary increase over three years, alongside higher healthcare costs. Represented by United Public Services Employees Union, Unit 90, the contract was approved by the Representative Town Meeting on June 10 and runs through 2027. It includes annual wage hikes of 2.5 percent, increased healthcare contributions, revised snow day policies, and seniority-based criteria for summer school assignments.
Don Smith from Western Middle School has been chosen as Greenwich’s nominee for the 2025 Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year Award, highlighting his dedication. The Connecticut State Department of Education will assess candidates statewide over the summer and announce the award in the fall. Smith’s commitment to inclusivity and positive impact on students and staff at WMS was noted in the school newsletter.
The Greenwich High School chess team, led by president Maximillian Lu and co-captain Elias Orrell, won the 2024 Connecticut State Scholastic Chess Club of the Year award. They achieved success in the FCICL league and the state high school championship. Additionally, Maximillian Lu was inducted into the Connecticut State Chess Hall of Fame for his contributions to the game.
SPORTS
The Greenwich Croquet Club held the 34th Greenwich Invitational 6-Wicket Croquet Tournament at Bruce Park, attracting players nationwide. The event, sanctioned by the US Croquet Association, featured competitive play across two levels and highlighted croquet’s unique handicap system. Membership in the club has significantly grown, with most members now being Greenwich residents.
Colin Zeller, a standout midfielder for Greenwich High School, achieved USA Lacrosse/CHSCA All-State Class LL First Team recognition for his impressive performance during the 2024 season, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive prowess and leadership as one of the captains. The Cardinals, led by Zeller and his teammates including George Weiksner, who earned USA Lacrosse/CHSCA Academic All-America honors, concluded their season with a 10-9 record, reaching the quarterfinal rounds of both the FCIAC and CIAC Class LL Tournaments.
Maggie Bacigalupo and Payton Sfreddo, graduates of Sacred Heart Greenwich, were named 2024 USA Lacrosse/CHSCA All-America honorees for their contributions to the varsity lacrosse team. The team finished the season with a 15-3 record, ranking 16th nationally in the USA Lacrosse High School Girls’ National Top 25 Rankings.
Emma Abbazia, a recent graduate of Greenwich High School, earned CHSCA/USA Lacrosse Connecticut 2024 All-America recognition for her exceptional performance during the Cardinals’ girls lacrosse season, where she contributed significantly to both offensive play and team success. Abbazia, committed to the University of Maryland for lacrosse, concluded her high school career with notable achievements including surpassing 200 career goals and leading Greenwich to competitive tournament appearances.
Greenwich Academy’s Varsity A lacrosse team capped a successful season by winning the FAA Tournament title, with multiple players earning All-NEPSAC honors. Dylan Casazza led the team’s offensive charge, accumulating 101 points and securing a place on the All-NEPSAC Team, while teammates Katie Barr and Lila Cabot received recognition for their contributions to the team’s achievements.
LOCAL POLITICS
Greenwich’s State Representatives have announced funding for upgrades to the Greenwich Library’s elevators. A consultant’s report from 2023 highlighted the need for these improvements, which are estimated to cost $865,000 and will include safety enhancements and ADA compliance. The Greenwich House Delegation secured $400,000 for the project.
The Republican primary in Town is on August 13. Verify your voter information and ensure you are registered. Absentee ballots are available from July 23, and in-person early voting at Town Hall is available for seven days before the primary.
FROM HARTFORD
On Tuesday, Attorney General William Tong launched an investigation into Capulet Entertainment after numerous complaints about the abrupt collapse of the “Capulet Fest 2024” music festival. The event, originally set for June 28-30 at Thompson Motor Speedway, was relocated to a smaller indoor venue in Hartford one day before its start, leading to many band withdrawals and the cancellation of the final day. The Attorney General’s office has demanded information from Capulet Entertainment regarding the planning, venue change, and refunds.
ACROSS CT
Avoid Shorebird Nesting Areas
State environmental officials are urging beachgoers to avoid shorebird nesting areas, as these birds are protected by law. DEEP has marked and closed certain nesting sites, advising the public to stay at least 25 feet away. Recreational activities are banned at three state-owned sites to prevent disturbances to nesting birds.
Trader Joe’s Recalls Scented Candle
Trader Joe’s has recalled its “Mango Tangerine Scented Candle” due to a burn risk from an unexpected flame pattern. Customers are advised to stop using the candle and return it for a full refund. No injuries or fires have been reported, but there have been online accounts of the issue. Contact (626) 599-3817 or https://www.traderjoes.com/home/contact-us/product-feedback with any question.
OUR NEIGHBORS
Stamford Health Launches Firefighter Cancer Program
Stamford Health has launched a pilot program to address the significant cancer risk faced by firefighters. This initiative involves specialized health screenings and care tailored to the unique risks of the profession. The program aims to improve overall wellness and is expected to expand to more departments across Connecticut.
Green & Tonic Expands to Stamford
Green & Tonic will open a new location at 54 West Park Place, Stamford in August 2024, with additional stores planned for Glenville and Old Greenwich this year. The plant-based eatery offers a gluten-free menu, including custom salads and meal boxes. Established in 2012, Green & Tonic now has six locations across Fairfield and Westchester counties.
