Community Unites to Honor 9/11
On Wednesday morning, over 150 people gathered at Cos Cob Park to mark the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks, where cannons fired at key moments of the attacks, and the names of 33 Greenwich victims were read with a bell toll for each. The ceremony included musical performances and a keynote address by Wells Noonan, who lost her brother in the attacks. Later, a second ceremony took place at the Glenville Volunteer Fire Company, featuring a piece of steel from the World Trade Center.
Paulie’s Push Honors 9/11 Flight Crews
Paul Veneto passed through Greenwich today, pushing an airline beverage cart as part of his journey from Boston to the 9/11 memorial. His effort, called “Paulie’s Push,” honors the flight crews who died in the September 11th attacks. More information can be found at PauliesPush.com.
POLICE & FIRE
Greenwich Police LEAP Luncheon
The Greenwich Police Department hosted a luncheon for members of the Abilis Greenwich LEAP community at Innis Arden Cottage. The event included a meal provided by Chicken Joe’s of Cos Cob. Officers and community members participated in the gathering.
Online Exploitation Warning for Parents
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Connecticut issued a public service announcement warning parents about “sextortion,” a form of online blackmail targeting minors. The announcement advises on protecting children and reporting exploitation to authorities or the CyberTipline. Further details are available at www.justice.gov/ct.
AROUND TOWN
Leaf Blower Ban Enforced
Greenwich’s gas-powered leaf blower ban took effect on May 25, leading to 162 calls in the first month and 149 calls through the summer. Most calls did not result in violations.
Belle Haven Club Property Reassessed
The Belle Haven Club reached a settlement with the town, lowering its property’s assessed value by 7.9 percent after a dispute over excessive valuation. The club’s total assessed value is now $18.94 million, down from $20.99 million. The club will receive a credit on future tax payments instead of a refund.
Town Hall Overview Event
The Board of Selectmen and Greenwich Newcomers will hold “Greenwich Town Hall 101” on September 19, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at Town Hall. The event will explain how local officials and staff operate within the town. It will take place in the Cone Room, 101 Field Point Road. To sign up please visit https://www.greenwichnewcomers.org/event-5848232.
Route 15 Sign Replacement
Work has started to replace and renumber over 70 exit signs along Route 15, with completion expected by July 2026. The project spans several towns and will involve periodic lane closures during off-peak hours. The renumbering aligns with national standards, and the new signs will meet updated federal requirements.
Binney Park Cleanup
A community cleanup at Binney Park in Old Greenwich is scheduled for tomorrow, September 14 from 2 pm to 4 pm, organized by student Thomas McKinney. Volunteers should bring gloves and wear long pants. Community service hours will be provided.
Former Grocery Site Proposal
The owners of the former Mike’s Organic site at 600 E. Putnam Ave. are seeking to convert the property into a restaurant and presented the plan to the Greenwich Planning & Zoning Commission. Parking requirements were a primary concern during the review. The commission will revisit the proposal at a future meeting.
Autumn Skatepark Hours
As of the beginning of September, the Skatepark will close daily at 6 pm.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Flinn Gallery to Open Yamashita Exhibition
The Flinn Gallery at Greenwich Public Library will open its 2024-25 season with the solo exhibition “The Elusive Art of Kumi Yamashita,” running from September 19 to November 6. Yamashita, a Japanese-born artist, has exhibited internationally and in major U.S. institutions. The gallery’s season will feature five shows from September through June.
Spin Event Supports Smilow
The Greenwich Hospital Freedom Riders participated in Spin in the Garden to raise funds for Smilow Cancer Hospital as part of the Closer to Free event. Thirteen riders used spin bikes provided by the YMCA of Greenwich, with a YMCA instructor leading the sessions. The funds will support cancer care services at Smilow.
Youth Philharmonic Auditions
The Young Artists Philharmonic (YAP) in Greenwich is holding auditions for its three orchestras, flute choir, and masterclasses. Musicians of all ages and abilities can audition on September 13, 20, and 29 from 4 to 6 pm at the First Congregational Church in Old Greenwich.
Jersey Shore Actors Visit Pasta Bowls
Pasta Bowls, a new restaurant in town, recently held its grand opening. Cast members of “Jersey Shore: Family Vacation” visited the restaurant on September 4 after a local comedy show. The restaurant offers customizable pasta bowls and various Italian dishes.
New Service at Christ Church
Christ Church Greenwich is starting a casual 5:00 pm worship service called “Joyful Noise,” featuring contemporary music by Rob Mathes and Anna Leinbach on alternating dates. The service is designed for those who cannot attend morning services. These live, in-person services will be held at Christ Church Greenwich, 254 East Putnam Avenue.
YMCA Reopens with New Upgrades
The YMCA of Greenwich reopened after completing maintenance and upgrades, including a renovated Wellness Center and new gym equipment. The facility also introduced new personal training options and orientation sessions for members. The updates aim to improve member experience and community health services.
Greenwich Reaccredited as HEARTSafe Community
The Town of Greenwich has been re-accredited as a HEARTSafe Community by the Connecticut Department of Public Health. This designation reflects the town’s effective cardiac care system, including prompt 911 access, CPR, defibrillation, and advanced medical care, supported by Greenwich Emergency Medical Service (GEMS). Greenwich’s survival rates for cardiac arrest significantly exceed national averages, with an 18 percent overall rate and up to 50 percent for witnessed cases.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Greenwich Honors Mary Hull
Greenwich Green & Clean dedicated a bench in Greenwich Common to honor Mary Hull’s volunteer work. Hull, who recently stepped down as director after 38 years, received a certificate of recognition from First Selectman Fred Camillo. The bench is located near a garden Hull worked on and was installed with the help of the town’s Parks & Trees staff.
Darrin Wigglesworth Bids Farewell After 35 Years
Darrin Wigglesworth is retiring after 35 years as the Town Parks Operations Manager, during which he rose from a utility worker to a top position. He was instrumental in projects such as the Binney Park Master Plan, park cleanups, and mentoring 37 Eagle Scout projects. His retirement marks the end of a significant era for Greenwich’s parks and recreation.
Nickerson Honored for Decades of Service
The Glenville Volunteer Fire Company has awarded the David N. Theis Award for Outstanding Service to the Community to William H. “Bill” Nickerson for his nearly 40 years of service to Greenwich, including his roles in the Representative Town Meeting and as a state representative and senator. The award ceremony will take place on October 17 at Tamarack Country Club. The event is open to the public, and those interested in attending or contributing to the silent auction can contact the fire company.
SCHOOLS
Malkin Wins Davidson Scholarship
Ashley Malkin, a 17-year-old from Greenwich, won a $10,000 Davidson Fellows Scholarship for her project using machine learning to identify potential drug treatments for neurological disorders. Her research narrowed 11,575 FDA-approved drugs to 273 candidates. Malkin and other 2024 Davidson Fellows will be recognized at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.
GHS Seniors shine as semifinalists
Twelve Greenwich High School seniors have been named 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalists. Principal Ralph Mayo praised both the students and educators, highlighting their accomplishments. The semifinalists are Henry Cullen, Calvin Donat, Thomas Erensen, John Howes, YeonWoo Kook, Ashley Malkin, Luke Mendelsohn, Justin Qu, Naomi Rosell, Lauren Rutkoske, Austin Sciulla, and Michelle Weissler. They will be recognized at an upcoming Board of Education meeting.
Free Narcan Training for Families
Greenwich Public Schools is offering free Narcan training for families to teach how to identify and respond to opioid overdoses. Participants will receive a Narcan kit after the session. Training sessions are scheduled for September 18 and October 16 at Central Middle School, with times from 5:00 to 6:00 pm and 6:00 to 7:00 pm each day.
Julian Curtiss Interim Assistant Principal
Claribel Michilena has been appointed interim assistant principal at Julian Curtiss School, effective October 1. She brings nearly 20 years of educational experience, including her most recent role as a district administrator in New York City. Michilena will work alongside Principal Eduardo Calderón to support the school’s goals and student achievement.
National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists
On September 11, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced the 16,000 semifinalists for its 70th annual scholarship program, including Greenwich Academy seniors Sophie Calise, Rena Georgakopoulos-Ueta, and Emily Hall. They qualified by scoring in the top one percent on the 2023 Preliminary SAT (PSAT). To become finalists, they must submit applications detailing their academic and extracurricular achievements.
SHG Student earns prestigious honor
Julia Stiker, a Sacred Heart Greenwich senior, has been named a 2025 Semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Out of over 1.3 million eligible students, 16,000 were selected as Semifinalists based on their PSAT scores. Stiker now advances to the next phase, where 15,000 will become Finalists, and 6,870 will receive scholarships.
Western Middle School Fields Updates
New fields at Western Middle School are expected to reopen by the end of the year, but lights for nighttime use are not yet funded. Installing the lights is estimated to cost $2.5 million, and discussions are ongoing about possibly funding it through the Parks and Recreation Department. Further budget talks will take place before the town’s budget review next year.
Kulowiec Advocates Balanced AI in Education
Before the school year began, Greg Kulowiec delivered a lecture on incorporating generative AI into teaching at GCDS. His presentation emphasized a balanced approach to AI, combining skepticism with optimism. GCDS continues to seek innovative methods to enhance student engagement and learning.
SPORTS
GHS Field Hockey Triumphs 10-0
The Greenwich High School field hockey team defeated Danbury 10-0 after losses to Mamaroneck and Fairfield Ludlowe. Senior captains Kate Donnellan and Sofia Klingbeil led the scoring, with Donnellan recording a hat-trick and Klingbeil adding a goal. Earlier, Greenwich lost 5-3 to Fairfield Ludlowe and 3-2 to Mamaroneck, despite goals from Lilly Evers and Clara Ojea Quintana.
GHS Boys’ Soccer Starts Strong with Two Shutouts
The Greenwich High School boys’ soccer team has started the 2024 season with two shutout wins, defeating Fairfield Ludlowe 2-0 and St. Joseph 5-0. Senior Pietro Carvalho scored a hat trick against St. Joseph, contributing to a solid early performance by the team. The Cardinals, who had a successful 2023 season, are expected to be strong contenders for both FCIAC and state titles this year.
FROM HARTFORD
Push for Social Media Warnings
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong and 41 other attorneys general urged Congress to pass legislation requiring surgeon general warnings on algorithm-driven social media platforms. They cited research linking social media use to mental health issues in young people. The attorneys general called for federal action, noting that social media companies have not addressed these concerns independently.
DOT Travel Survey
The Connecticut DOT is surveying residents on their daily travel habits to update data in response to changes from the COVID-19 pandemic and new technology. The survey, mailed to randomly selected households, will gather information on travel frequency, distance, and transportation methods, with results expected next spring.
Cheeseburger Day
National Cheeseburger Day, observed on September 18, is a tribute to one of America’s favorite foods. The day spotlights the cheeseburger, recognizing its enduring place in American culinary culture. This simple yet iconic dish remains a symbol of American comfort food.
OUR NEIGHBORS
Ramp Reopens
The Route 7 ramp to southbound I-95 has reopened, alleviating traffic caused by a tanker fire in May that destroyed the Fairfield Avenue overpass. The Connecticut DOT completed the reopening ahead of schedule, with the replacement bridge expected to be finished by spring.
Auditions for HMS Pinafore
Troupers Light Opera Company is holding auditions for “HMS Pinafore” on September 23rd and 25th at Union Memorial Church in Stamford. All singing roles are open, and interested performers can sign up at https://wp.trouperslightopera.org/pinafore-auditions/ (https://wp.trouperslightopera.org/pinafore-auditions/).
New Canaan ADA Non-Compliance
The town of New Canaan reached a settlement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to address non-compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act at several town facilities. The town will make accessibility improvements at locations including Waveny Park, New Canaan High School, and Town Hall. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stewart Dearing and the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
