POLICE & FIRE
Car Safety Tips Prevent Thefts
Over a million Americans experience vehicle theft annually, with incidents rising over 25% since 2019. In Connecticut, there were 7,273 vehicle thefts in 2022, mainly outside residences. To keep your car safe, park with windows up and doors locked, choose well-lit areas, remove valuables, use tracking devices, store key fobs away from the vehicle, keep software updated, and never leave your vehicle running unattended.
Firefighters Rescue Dog Without Injury
Last Friday, Engine Company 8 responded to a call about a dog’s leg stuck in a sink drain. They transported the dog to the Veterinary Emergency Group in Cos Cob, where Truck Company 1 used specialized tools to free the leg without injury. Pet owners are advised to use a porous mat in the sink during baths to prevent such incidents.
ORCA Unit Reduces Financial Crimes
Since 2018, the ORCA unit has collaborated with Greenwich Avenue businesses to prevent bank fraud and other financial crimes. The unit has seen a rise in arrests for crimes like ID theft and forgery, though overall financial crimes have declined due to increased security and public awareness. ORCA officers receive extensive training to stay ahead of evolving criminal tactics and maintain strong ties with local merchants and financial institutions.
FROM TOWN HALL
Greenwich Appoints New Town Administrator
First Selectman Fred Camillo announced that Kathleen Buch will be the new Town Administrator and COO for Greenwich, starting September 23, 2024. Buch, currently the Town Administrator of Darien, will replace Ben Branyan, who has taken a new role with Greenwich Public Schools. Buch has extensive experience in municipal administration and finance, with previous positions in Darien, West Haven, Newtown, and Southbury.
Greenwich Extends Tax Payment Hours
Greenwich residents must pay property and motor vehicle taxes by August 1, 2024. Extended office hours for payments are available on July 27 from 9 a.m. to noon and on August 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Payments can be made online, in person, or by mail to PO Box 3002, Greenwich, CT 06836-3002, with regular office hours from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
New Restaurant Approved on Greenwich Avenue
At the July 23 P&Z meeting, the commission conditionally approved a 210-seat restaurant at 1-3 Greenwich Avenue, with 60 outdoor seasonal seats and 150 indoor seats. The approval included multiple conditions such as annual applications for outdoor dining, parking provisions, and signage requirements. The motion passed 4-1, with concerns about parking and incomplete application details being noted.
AROUND TOWN
Greenwich Celebrates ADA Anniversary
Greenwich will celebrate the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 31 with a ceremony at Restoration Hardware, 310 Greenwich Ave. The town plans to honor President George H.W. Bush, who signed the ADA into law, with a statue in Veterans Plaza Park. Additionally, Greenwich is working on ADA compliance improvements along Greenwich Avenue, with a repaving project slated for fall or spring 2025.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Yacht Club Celebrates with Drone Show
On July 20, 2024, the Indian Harbor Yacht Club celebrated its 135th anniversary with a drone light show instead of fireworks, highlighting a trend toward environmentally friendly celebrations. Founded in 1889, the club used 175 drones to narrate its history, culminating in simulated fireworks and a special anniversary logo. The show was organized by Airborne Studios, a Greenwich-based company specializing in drone cinematography. Read more in this week’s paper.
Beardsley Gala Supports Zoo Conservation
On Saturday, October 19, the Inn at Longshore in Westport will host the 5th annual Beardsley Gala to support conservation and educational efforts at the zoo. The event includes a VIP Hour with early entrance and exclusive animal experiences, the unveiling of a new arboretum welcome sign, and a keynote presentation, “Skyhunters in Flight,” featuring birds of prey. Attendees will enjoy entertainment, cocktails, dinner, auctions, and animal encounters. For more info visit https://e.givesmart.com/events/AWA/
Family Centers Expands with New Building
Family Centers has acquired a new 18,600 square foot building at 986 Bedford Street in Stamford, more than doubling the size of its current office. This new location will centralize many of its human services, education, and mental health programs, and provide additional group meeting spaces. The grand opening is planned for fall 2024.
Seinfelds to be Honored at GIFF Gala
The Greenwich International Film Festival (GIFF) announced that Jerry Seinfeld and Jessica Seinfeld will be honored at this year’s Changemaker Gala on November 13, benefiting the Children’s Museum of Manhattan’s Family Connections program. The award recognizes artists who use their influence to drive social change. This year marks GIFF’s 10th anniversary, celebrating its impact with an expanded Jewish film series, women’s stories, and social impact films.
New Pasta Eatery Opens This Weekend
Constantino’s Pasta Bowls in the Chickahominy neighborhood of Greenwich offers over 80 pasta combinations with a variety of pasta types and sauces. The menu also includes salads, sandwiches, classic Italian entrees, and desserts. Opened on July 5, it operates Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a grand opening celebration on July 27.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Bruce Museum Elects New Trustees
On June 27, the Bruce Museum elected 14 new members to its Board of Trustees during its annual meeting. The new trustees, set to serve until 2027, include Megan M. Clark, Maurice J. Cunniffe, Grace Lockhart Djuranovic, Kathy C. Epstein, Vicki Netter Fitzgerald, Rebecca A. Gillan, Erin Glasebrook, Steven Grossman, Karen S. Keegan, Roberto Magana, Charles M. Royce, Anne Sherrerd, Abiodun Tobun, and David Yudain. The board also elected John C. Hart and Karen S. Keegan as co-chairs, with additional executive committee members and members-at-large named.
SPORTS
Greenwich Point Swim Raises Funds
The 35th Annual Greenwich Point One Mile Swim was held on Saturday, July 13, at Tod’s Point, with nearly 100 swimmers participating despite the rain, leading to a shortened course of a half-mile. Sponsored by The Greenwich Swim Committee and the YMCA of Greenwich, the event raised funds for local swim instruction and water safety programs, including the new Safety Around Water initiative for fourth graders. Callum Hall and Olivia DeVries won the race, and full results are available on the Greenwich Swim Committee’s website.
Brunswick Swimmers Earn All-America Honors
The National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association (NISCA) released its All-America Swimming lists for the 2023-2024 scholastic season, and Brunswick School had several athletes recognized. Ryan Ohl, a recent graduate heading to Stanford for water polo, earned honors in multiple events, including the 100-yard freestyle and 50-yard freestyle. Other notable performers included Benjamin Wu and Rory O’Connor, along with successful relay teams, contributing to Brunswick’s team title at the FAA Swimming Championships and a fourth-place finish at the NEPSSA Championships.
Cardinals Shine in Passing Tournament
The Greenwich High School football team, which averaged 30.8 points per game last season, showcased its strong passing game at the 17th annual Grip It and Rip It 7-on-7 Passing Tournament, advancing to the semifinal round. Despite losing key players to graduation, the Cardinals believe they have significant offensive potential with new varsity wide receivers and returning athletes ready to step up. The team aims to build on last season’s success and is focused on making a deep run in the upcoming season, starting with their opener on September 13 against West Haven.
LOCAL POLITICS
Board Member Kowalski Resigns, Moving
Karen Kowalski’s family is moving out of Greenwich, prompting her to resign from the Board of Education immediately. She believes a non-resident should not hold the position and urges the Board to quickly appoint her successor. Kowalski thanks the community for the opportunity to serve and wishes everyone well.
Fazio Promotes Annual Legislative Survey
Ryan Fazio encourages participation in the Annual Legislative Survey. Constituent feedback is essential for shaping future policy. The survey offers an anonymous platform for sharing perspectives on the state of the state. To take the survey visit https://ctsenaterepublicans.com/2024/06/2024-district-wide-legislative-survey/?mc_cid=869848b70b&mc_eid=75aa7df9e5
Finance Board Delays ADA Funding
In Greenwich, the finance board has delayed funding for bringing Greenwich Avenue into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act for the second time in a month, citing the need for further research into compliance standards. The Department of Public Works reported that much of the Avenue does not meet federal accessibility standards, but the board has withheld funding while they investigate potential exemptions. Some board members argue that the delay hinders accessibility improvements for people with disabilities.
FROM HARTFORD
Greenwich Awarded $799K for Safety Improvements
Governor Ned Lamont and Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto announced that the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is awarding over $12 million in grants to 17 municipalities for transportation projects, including $799,200 for pedestrian safety improvements at three intersections in Greenwich. The targeted intersections in Greenwich include Railroad Avenue and Old Field Point Road at Prospect Street, Field Point Road at Railroad Avenue, and Field Point Road at Prospect Street and Horseneck Lane. These grants, part of the CTDOT’s Community Connectivity Grant Program, aim to improve local infrastructure for pedestrian and vehicular safety.
