POLICE & FIRE
Reeves Retires, Notable Greenwich Career
Sergeant Brent Reeves retired from the Greenwich Police Department this month, where he served as coordinator of domestic violence crimes and supervisor of the Special Victims Section. Joining the department in 1997 and becoming a sergeant in 2005, Reeves was known for handling domestic violence cases and training officers. Since January, he has been serving as Interim Director of Security for Greenwich Public Schools.
Swift, Manning, Rooney Receive Promotions
At a ceremony at the Greenwich town hall, David Swift was promoted to Sergeant, and Detectives James Manning and Michael Rooney were elevated to Detective First Grade. Swift, a Greenwich native, joined the force in 2007 and has received numerous commendations. Manning and Rooney, both long-serving members of the department, were recognized for their significant contributions to financial crime prevention and child protection, respectively.
GPD Reports Targeted Armed Carjacking Incident
Greenwich police reported an armed carjacking on July 14, where two suspects stole a BMW X3 and the victim’s cell phone near Clapboard Ridge Road and Khakum Wood Road. The suspects followed the victim from out of state and were last seen in Yonkers, N.Y. The investigation is ongoing, but police stated there is no threat to the public.
GPD Warn of Phone Scam
The Greenwich Police Department has warned about a phone scam involving a caller posing as “Detective Steve McMorris” and claiming affiliation with the department or a non-existent Old Greenwich Police Department. The calls are fraudulent, and residents are advised not to respond. No one by that name is employed by the department.
FROM TOWN HALL
Founder’s Day Celebrations
Greenwich is celebrating its history with two Founder’s Day events. On July 18, a proclamation reading will take place at Innis Arden Cottage, followed by tours of the historic Feake-Ferris House. Another proclamation reading will occur on July 21 at the First Congregational Church.
Sustainability Committee Hosts Grass Webinar
The Greenwich Sustainability Committee will host a webinar on July 25 to discuss artificial turf versus natural grass playing fields and provide guidelines for maintaining durable grass fields. The event is free and open to the public, with registration available online. The webinar will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
AROUND TOWN
Spotted Lanternfly Threatens Connecticut Crops
The Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), an invasive species from China, was first detected in Connecticut in 2020 and has rapidly spread, particularly affecting the tree-of-heaven and various crops. Conservation efforts include egg mass scraping and tree removal, while a quarantine order aims to control the pest’s spread and protect agricultural interests. Management strategies involve monitoring, host removal, and the careful use of insecticides.
Byram River Greenway Plans Postponed
Greenwich officials are planning to establish the Byram River Greenway to enhance trail connections and conservation efforts. A review of the proposal by the Board of Selectmen was postponed due to the absence of key presenters. The Board of Selectmen is expected to revisit the agenda item at its next meeting on August 8.
Planning Commission Reviews Controversial Housing Proposal
The Planning & Zoning Commission is reviewing environmental issues related to a proposal for 92 residential units in two buildings on lower Mason Street, including the removal of four underground gas tanks. Community opposition is strong, with a petition from 35 residents urging rejection of the plan. The proposed buildings would include a mix of below-market rentals and assisted housing units, along with retail space, on a site previously occupied by a car dealership.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Green & Clean Hosts Student Poster Contest
Greenwich Green & Clean is holding a poster contest for K-12 students in Greenwich to promote the International Coastal Cleanup in September. Posters should feature event details and the theme “Fighting for Trash Free Seas,” highlighting the need to address marine pollution. Submissions are due by August 1, with winners announced on August 7.
Pasta Vera Closing After 40 Years
Pasta Vera, a staple on Greenwich Avenue for nearly 40 years, will close on August 1 due to a rent increase. Owner Susan Della Ragione confirmed the decision, acknowledging the impact on her long-standing staff. The restaurant announced its closure on Facebook, thanking the community for their support and memories.
16 Years of Literacy Support
Greenwich United Way’s Reading Champions program celebrated its 16th anniversary this spring, offering literacy support to elementary students. It is the largest volunteer-driven early literacy program in town, partnering with Greenwich Public Schools. In the 2023-2024 school year, 120 volunteers tutored 350 students across all 11 Greenwich Public Schools and five after-school programs.
Summit Health Expands Greenwich Office
Simone Development Companies and Fareri Associates have announced a lease renewal and expansion with Summit Health at 644 West Putnam Avenue in Greenwich, Connecticut, totaling 19,853 square feet of medical office and urgent care space. Summit Health will renew its current 14,243 square feet and add 5,610 square feet on the second floor. The lease negotiations involved representation by Tim Rorick of Newmark for Simone Development Companies and Fareri Associates, and Kevin J. McCarthy of Cushman and Wakefield for Summit Health.
Avity Investment Management Ranks High
Avity Investment Management has been listed on the CNBC FA 100 for the fifth consecutive year, reaching 14th nationally in 2023, up from 29th in 2022. It also ranked second in New England and first in Connecticut. The CNBC FA 100 list evaluates firms based on years in business, advisor-to-employee ratios, assets under management, compliance records, and advisor credentials.
Family Centers Honors Customer Service Ambassadors
At its June 6 Town Hall Meeting, Family Centers honored six employees as 2024 “Customer Service Ambassadors” for their exemplary service and commitment to core values. The award, part of the agency-wide CSI:FC program, recognizes employees who exceed expectations in customer service, with winners nominated by their peers. Established in 2011, CSI:FC celebrates and aims to improve Family Centers’ tradition of outstanding service.
Greenwich Alliance Hosts College Readiness
This summer, the Greenwich Alliance for Education is hosting its second “Transition to College” (T2C) workshop series for AVID students, aiming to equip them with the skills needed for college success. A recent workshop addressed substance use on campus, focusing on alcohol, cannabis, and the misuse of prescription drugs, with an emphasis on the risks of Fentanyl contamination. The series includes various sessions on college success, digital resources, budgeting, and academic achievement.
Greenwich Hospital Enhances Trauma Care
Greenwich Hospital’s newly accredited trauma unit now treats severe and life-threatening injuries, reducing the need for patient transfers to distant facilities. The hospital achieved this by upgrading its emergency unit, hiring specialists, and enhancing staff training. The facility, which opened in late June, is expected to handle about 1,200 trauma patients this year, significantly improving local healthcare.
Witherell Facility Pursues Financial Stability
The Nathaniel Witherell, a town-owned nursing facility, is addressing its financial challenges and working towards a break-even budget. Executive Director John Mastronardi and his team are considering cost management strategies and expanding patient care services. The Board of Estimate and Taxation has conditioned 10% of the facility’s $32 million budget on the implementation of the financial plan.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Junior League of Greenwich Announces Leadership
The Junior League of Greenwich has announced its new Board of Directors and Management Team for 2024-25, led by President Stacey Higdon, and introduced a new Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging role, to be filled by Tiffanie Gray. The League plans to launch various projects and community events, including The Enchanted Forest at the Bruce Museum in November. Open Houses for prospective members will be held in the fall.
SCHOOLS
New Leadership Elected in Building Committees
On Wednesday morning, July 17, the Julien Curtiss and CMS Building committees elected new leadership. David Levine replaced the late Bill Kelly on the Julien Curtiss Building Committee. Bob Chaney succeeded Levine as vice chair. Joe Rosetti replaced Tony Turner on the Central Middle School Building Committee. Clare Kilgallen continued as vice chair.
Harvey School Announces Spring Honors
The Harvey School in Katonah, New York, announced the spring term academic honors, including the head’s list and honor roll. Recognized students include Cavalier Scholars Grahm Bryant (grade 9), Brady Campos (grade 11), Rachel Dickey (grade 12), Wesley Elkind (grade 12), Ellie Florin (grade 12), and Blake Friedman (grade 12). Other honorees are Teddy Aaron (grade 9), Emmett Cahill (grade 10), Chloe Eisenberg (grade 10), Lily Hakim (grade 11), Emma Lederer (grade 11), and Arabella Serfilippi (grade 9).
Greenwich High’s Piano Club Thrives
Greenwich High School’s Piano Club, started by senior Oliver Sheppard, meets every eight days for practice and includes a repertoire of classical and modern music. The club performs at local retirement homes, providing a platform for members to share their music with the community. Oliver plans to expand the club with new members in the upcoming school year.
SPORTS
Greenwich High Football Quarterback Update
Rocco Grillo, the former starting quarterback for Greenwich High School, has graduated and will be continuing his football career at Fordham University, leaving Michael D’Angelo and Nick Wells competing for the starting quarterback position. The duo showcased their skills and built team chemistry at the Grip It and Rip It 7-on-7 Passing Tournament, advancing to the semifinals and impressing coach Anthony Morello with their performance.
Greenwich High Star Commits to Navy
Peter Vomvolakis, a standout player from Greenwich High School, announced his commitment to attend the United States Naval Academy, where he will play Division I football. Vomvolakis, known for his impactful role as a starting center since his freshman year, looks forward to contributing to Navy’s football program and pursuing a prestigious education.
SHG’s Lucianna Parrotta Joins Team Puerto Rico
Lucianna Parrotta, an incoming Sacred Heart Greenwich sophomore, was selected to represent Team Puerto Rico at the 2024 FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup in Mexico, starting July 13. Parrotta, who played as a guard/forward on Sacred Heart’s varsity team, will compete as a power forward for Puerto Rico.
GCDS Girls Lacrosse Season Success
Greenwich Country Day School’s girls lacrosse team celebrated a successful 2024 season with several athletes earning All-NEPSAC and All-FAA honors. Notable honorees include Ella Wilner, who committed to Clemson University, and Bianca Amen, who excelled defensively, both receiving high accolades for their performances.
LOCAL POLITICS
Greenwich ADA Project Vote Postponed
At Tuesday’s Board of Estimate and Taxation meeting, discussions focused on the Dept of Public Works project to upgrade eight intersections on Greenwich Avenue for ADA compliance. Two proposed motions were withdrawn, and the recent vote postponed the project. The debate, which has been ongoing since June, centers on whether current ADA standards are met and the necessity of the proposed improvements.
Absentee Ballot Information
Starting July 23, 2024, registered voters can obtain absentee ballots from the Town Clerk’s office by requesting an application in person, online, by phone, or by mail. Once the completed application is received, the Town Clerk will send the ballot. Completed ballots can be returned by mail, drop boxes, or in person at the Town Clerk’s office. Additionally, early voting is available from August 5 to 11, 2024, with varying hours. Important dates include the last day to switch parties on May 13, 2024, and the deadline for unaffiliated voters to enroll in a party on August 2, 2024. The deadline for in-person registration to vote on August 13 is August 12, 2024, at noon.
FROM HARTFORD
Connecticut Reforms Disability Pension System
Connecticut state leaders and employee unions announced a significant reform of the state’s disability pension system. This agreement, driven by a recent investigation revealing oversight issues, mandates that recipients must submit income surveys or face withheld payments. The reform aims to address fraud and ensure that funds are properly allocated to eligible recipients. Additionally, state officials are considering further measures, including increased investigations and a reevaluation of eligibility criteria, to enhance oversight and maintain the integrity of the system.
Connecticut Establishes Office of Equity
On Tuesday, Governor Ned Lamont signed an executive order to create the Connecticut Office of Equity and Opportunity, aimed at advancing equity and inclusion in state government. The office, housed within the Governor’s Office and led by an appointed chief equity and opportunity officer, will work to eliminate systemic barriers and ensure diverse representation in decision-making processes. The executive order also mandates diversity, equity, and inclusion training for all state employees and the development of equity plans by state agencies.
ACROSS CT
Connecticut Tackles Illegal Street Takeovers
Connecticut leaders are addressing illegal street takeovers, where large groups of vehicles illegally block streets for racing and stunts, after hundreds of vehicles, including ATVs and dirt bikes, flooded New Haven. Mayor Justin Elicker discussed using new technologies and confiscating vehicles to combat the issue. Despite failed legislation to destroy confiscated bikes, both Senate Republicans and Democrats seek stronger deterrents and educational solutions.
Stop & Shop Closing Five Stores
Stop & Shop announced it will close five Connecticut locations by November 2nd as part of a plan to shut down 32 underperforming stores across the Northeast. The company, owned by Ahold Delhaize, cited financial underperformance and increased competition as reasons for the closures. Employees at the affected stores will be offered opportunities at other locations, and 81 Stop & Shop stores will continue to operate in Connecticut.
