POLICE & FIRE
GPD Honors K-9 Kato’s Service
The Greenwich Police Department announced the passing of K-9 Kato, the department’s fifth canine since the creation of its Canine Unit. Kato graduated from the Connecticut State Police Canine program in 2015, earned certification in narcotics detection in 2017, and served in various law enforcement tasks until his retirement in 2021.
Town Celebrates Deputy Chief Gray’s Career
Deputy Police Chief Kraig Gray has retired as of September 1 after 32 years with the Greenwich Police Department. Gray, who joined in 1992 after serving in the U.S. Army, held key leadership roles and influenced many policies, rising to deputy chief in 2021. His contributions included overseeing administrative services, parking services, and implementing the department’s officer development program.
Town Welcomes New Recruit Naming
Chief Heavey introduced GPD’s newest recruit at local elementary schools on the first day of school. The officer still needs a name, and the community will have the chance to vote. Keep an eye on GPD socials for your chance to weigh in!
GPD Dive Team Sharpens Skills
The GPD Dive Team held a training session in Long Island Sound to maintain their operational skills. These sessions are essential for their preparedness. The Dive Team is one of several specialized units at GPD.
Firefighters Safeguard Homes Amid Blaze
A fire broke out last Thursday at a mansion under construction on Ridge Street, prompting a response from the Greenwich Fire Department and nearby units. Due to the size of the fire, defensive operations were initiated, and neighboring homes were protected. Two firefighters were injured, and the fire remains under investigation.
GPD Ensures Safety Over Labor Day
Greenwich police responded to 439 calls over Labor Day weekend, making 15 arrests and conducting 50 motor vehicle stops. The department reported five car accidents with only one minor injury. The Marine Section performed 19 enforcement stops, 23 vessel safety inspections, and distributed life jackets, with no boat accidents reported.
FROM TOWN HALL
Town Expands Organic Waste Management Program
Greenwich’s Organic Waste Management Program, “Leaves: Nature’s Treasure,” began as an effort to reduce leaf piles on streets and has since expanded to target broader areas. The program now educates a wide range of participants, including property owners, managers, and students, on sustainable organic waste practices. Details are available in the program guide available on the Town’s website.
Outdoor Lighting Regulations
The Town has introduced new outdoor lighting regulations aimed at reducing light pollution, which went into effect on March 27, 2024. The rules set limits on shielding, brightness, and color temperature to promote energy efficiency and protect local biodiversity. An informational session on these regulations will be held on September 18, 2024, at Town Hall and via Zoom.
Ordinance To Address Feral Cats
Greenwich town officials are working on a new ordinance to address the issue of feral cats, particularly in Old Greenwich. The ordinance would require registration of individuals caring for feral cats, based on state law. A more detailed discussion is expected at the Board of Selectmen meeting on September 12, with a potential vote by October.
Delays on Decision for Housing Development Plan
A decision on the plan to build 92 housing units on Mason Street, using Connecticut’s 8-30g affordable housing law, has been delayed without a new timeline. The proposal includes two buildings with 28 units designated as “affordable” and retail space on the site of a former car dealership. The Planning & Zoning Commission has limited authority to block the project, as the law allows developers to bypass local zoning unless health or safety concerns arise.
Publishing Public Records Requests List
The Town government will continue to publish its Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests at the end of each month, starting in mid-July. The list of requests from July 11 to August 29 can be found at https://www.greenwichct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/44977/FOI-Requests-from-July-11-to-Aug-29-2024, including routine inquiries and politically motivated ones. The requests are organized by department, with fire department inquiries listed last.
AROUND TOWN
Art in the Park This Sunday
On Sunday, September 8, 2024, Binney Park in Old Greenwich will host the “Art in the Park” event from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The park will feature local artists displaying their work in an open-air gallery format. The event is organized by the Old Greenwich Merchants Association.
Island Beach & Great Captain Island Ferries Still Going
The 2024 Greenwich Ferry season ends on September 15. Visitors can still take trips to Island Beach and Great Captain Island. For ferry schedules and more information, visit the Greenwich Parks and Recreation website.
Resident Raises Concerns Over Rock Removal
A Locust Street resident reported continuous rock removal since June, starting daily at 7:15 a.m. The Planning & Zoning commission’s site plan reviews usually respect natural topography, as outlined in the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development. State statute 8-30g permits zoning waivers for affordable housing projects.
Residents Urged To Report Storm Damage
Greenwich experienced heavy rains earlier this month, and residents with significant structural damage should report it through the State of Connecticut’s website. Only major damage affecting homes or businesses qualifies for reporting. Federal emergency assistance for Fairfield County has been approved, but aid is subject to strict criteria.
Greenwich Increases Parking Enforcement On Avenue
Greenwich Avenue is expected to see increased parking enforcement, including more vehicle immobilization due to recent changes in the Department of Parking Services. Improvements in license plate recognition technology and the hiring of additional enforcement officers have made the department more efficient. Vehicles with five or more unpaid parking violations may be booted or towed, and drivers must pay fines and fees in person to have the boots removed.
Revised Parking Rules Near Schools
Greenwich town officials revised parking rules, requiring permits for Swan Terrace and adjusting hours on nearby streets to reduce student parking congestion. The new restrictions target areas where students had parked to avoid limited on-campus parking, which caused complaints from local residents. The revised regulations apply from 8 to 11 a.m. on Swan Terrace, Pintail Lane, and Widgeon Way.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Greenwich Hosts International Coastal Cleanup Event
Greenwich Green & Clean will host the International Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, September 21, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Greenwich Point Park. Participants will help remove debris from the shoreline, with data on collected waste submitted to Save the Sound and the Ocean Conservancy. Pre-registration is available online, and walk-ins are welcome; gloves and buckets will be provided.
Edgehill Residents Support Students With Supply Drive
Edgehill residents organized a school supply drive over the summer for the Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County (CLC) and distributed backpacks to kindergarten students. They also read to preschoolers and provided gift boxes with educational supplies. Edgehill contributed financially to the effort and resumed in-person volunteering with CLC this year.
Makerie Café Aims To Reopen After Crash
On Labor Day, a driver accidentally crashed into the front of Makerie Café in Cos Cob, which was closed at the time, causing significant damage but no injuries. The owner, Kirsten Butler, is working with local authorities to begin repairs and aims to reopen the café by September 9. A fundraiser has been launched to help cover the costs of the damages.
Hyatt Hotel Workers Strike For Better Conditions
On Sunday morning in Greenwich, 133 hotel workers from Local 217–UNITE HERE went on strike, joining thousands nationwide in protest for higher wages, better staffing, and manageable workloads. The strike follows the expiration of their contract and coincides with the completion of a $40 million renovation at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich. The workers’ demands reflect broader labor disputes affecting hotel employees across 12 U.S. cities.
Living Hope Church Proposes New Pastoral Housing Plan
The Living Hope Community Church in Old Greenwich has submitted plans to build a new home for its pastor and an apartment for the assistant pastor on two lots on West End Avenue. The proposal includes consolidating the lots and expanding parking from 72 to 94 spaces. The project requires special permits and approval from the Planning & Zoning Commission.
DART Hosts Annual Charity Walk For NPC Research
Dana’s Angels Research Trust (DART) will host its 7th annual DART to the Finish Charity Walk on September 28 at Greenwich Point Park, Old Greenwich. The event, featuring a two-mile walk, charges $30 for adults, $15 for ages 10-21, and is free for children under 10, with a virtual option available for a $30 donation. Funds raised will support research on Niemann-Pick Type C (NPC) by advancing key projects at the National Institutes of Health, University of Illinois-Chicago, and international trials.
Puttin’ On The Dog Fundraiser Returns
On September 22, 2024, Roger Sherman Baldwin Park will host Puttin’ on the Dog, an annual fundraiser for Adopt-A-Dog, which rescues dogs from abuse and neglect. The event, in its 36th year, will feature pet demonstrations, live music, food trucks, and a costume contest. Tickets are available at adoptadog.org, with proceeds supporting rescue operations and shelter services.
Dancing Stars Of Greenwich Supports Abilis Training Center
The sixth annual Dancing Stars of Greenwich, hosted by The Fred Astaire Dance Studio, will take place on September 21, 2024, at Tamarack Country Club, featuring local celebrities and Fred Astaire Dance professionals. The event will include dance performances, live music, a silent auction, and a dinner, with proceeds benefiting Abilis’s Gardens & Gifts training center for adults with disabilities. The evening will also feature a dance competition judged by Brendan Fraser, Paulina Porizkova, and Frederic Fekkai, with awards for both the top performer and the dancer who raises the most funds for Abilis.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Darrin Wigglesworth Day
On August 30, 2024, Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo proclaimed “Darrin Wigglesworth Day” to recognize Wigglesworth’s more than three decades of service to the town. Wigglesworth started in 1989 as a utility worker and rose to Parks Operations Manager, where he led safety initiatives, community volunteer efforts, and major park projects like the Binney Park and Pomerance-Tuchman Master Plans. He retires after overseeing various improvements to the town’s parks and playgrounds.
Parks & Rec. Photo Contest Winners
The Department of Parks and Recreation has announced the winners of its fourth annual photo contest, held in July, celebrating the community’s connection to Greenwich’s parks and recreation areas. First prize went to Gianluca DeBerardins for Early Riser, second to Andrew Cummings for Fall at Eagle Pond, and third to Alex Popp for Byram Shore Rainbow. The contest entries highlight the town’s shared appreciation for its public spaces and the local photographers who captured them.
Jenny Larkin Transitions To Town IT Department Role
Jenny Larkin has moved from the Office of the First Selectman to a new role in the Town’s IT Department. During her time in the office, she managed tasks such as overseeing town moorings, running social media, and producing the weekly newsletter. Her contributions were an integral part of the office’s operations.
Angie Kaether Honored For Decade Of Service In Town Hall
Angie Kaether was recognized this week for 10 years of service as the Customer Service Representative in the Office of the First Selectman. She received a certificate and pin to mark the occasion. Kaether manages communication between residents and the Town Hall, handling inquiries and concerns daily.
Recreation Superintendent Retires
After years of service, Recreation Superintendent Sue Snyder is retiring. During her tenure, she oversaw the expansion of programs, development of new facilities, and organization of community events. Her work has had a lasting impact on the department.
SCHOOLS
GHS Unveils Renovated Main Entrance
Greenwich High School completed a $3.25 million renovation of its main entrance, enhancing security and accessibility with new safety features, landscaping, and seating. The project was officially unveiled on September 3, 2024, with contributions from various architects, construction managers, and town officials. The upgrade aims to improve both safety and ADA accessibility for the school community.
GPS Open; Drivers Urged To Stay Cautious
Greenwich public schools are now open, so drivers should be cautious of children walking and school buses on the roads. School grounds are restricted to staff and students during school hours and after-school activities, meaning no dog walking or shortcuts. Residents are encouraged to use local parks or neighborhoods and avoid school property except on weekends.
GCDS Welcomes New Co-Teachers
Greenwich Country Day School introduced 14 new co-teachers this summer, providing an orientation that included hands-on activities at the school’s French Farm property. The co-teacher program allows participants to explore all aspects of an elementary classroom while working under the mentorship of a lead teacher. This experience helps develop the skills necessary to confidently lead a classroom.
JC Begins Year With Celebration
Julian Curtiss School began the 2024-2025 school year with a welcome event that included a photo wall, a red carpet entrance, and appearances by local police. Principal Eduardo Calderón oversaw the event, which involved students walking the red carpet to mark the start of the year. The school enrolled 237 students, including two pre-kindergarten classrooms.
Running Start Provides School Essentials
The third annual Running Start program at the YMCA of Greenwich provided back-to-school essentials for 100 local children, an increase from 74 the previous year. Over four sessions, children received gift cards, backpacks, and school supplies, helping them prepare for the school year. The program supports underserved families by addressing gaps in school readiness.
GHS Teacher Finalist For Civics Award
Megan Ostruzka, a social studies teacher at Greenwich High School, has been named a finalist for the Bill of Rights Institute’s National Civics Teacher of the Year Award. She is one of 10 educators selected from across the U.S. and has been awarded a $1,000 prize. The winner, to be announced on September 17, will receive a $5,000 prize.
SPORTS
GHS Football Set For Season Opener
Greenwich High School’s football team will begin its 2024 season on Sept. 13, facing West Haven, the team that eliminated them in the 2023 CIAC Class LL semifinals. Coach Anthony Morello and the Cardinals are motivated by last year’s defeat and are eager to compete, with a strong focus on their offensive line, running game, and developing quarterback play.
LOCAL POLITICS
Greenwich RTM Seeks Candidates For Vacancies
The Greenwich Representative Town Meeting (RTM) has five vacancies: one each in Districts 3, 8, and 10, and two in District 5. These positions are open to residents of the respective districts for the remainder of the term, ending December 2025. Interested candidates should contact the district chairs before the September meetings.
ACROSS CT
Renewable Diesel Distribution
Global Partners LP has begun distributing renewable diesel made from cooking oil in Connecticut, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 78 percent. The fuel works in existing diesel engines, and companies like Tilcon Connecticut have started using it. While more common on the West Coast, renewable diesel’s expansion in New England is limited, and Global Partners is seeking additional federal support.
CT Renter’s Rebate Applications Open
Connecticut’s Renter’s Rebate Program is open for applications until September 30, 2024. Eligible elderly and disabled renters may receive up to $900 for married couples and $700 for single individuals, based on their 2023 rental and utility expenses. Applicants must meet income limits and provide required documentation, including proof of income, rent, and utility payments from 2023. You can learn more at https://linktr.ee/greenwichdhs under Renter’s Rebate Program 2024.
