POLICE & FIRE
Honoring Women in Law Enforcement
National Police Women’s Day was on September 12th and honors women in law enforcement. The department expresses appreciation for their service. Photo credit: Greenwich Police Department.
New Officer Brings Expertise to Greenwich
On September 10, 2024, Officer Gregory Kalarchian was sworn in at the Town of Greenwich Public Safety Complex. He brings 24 years of experience from the New York State Police, specializing in DUI enforcement, motor vehicle collision investigations, and is a certified police motorcycle operator. Kalarchian will complete his Connecticut police training and continue his service with the Greenwich Police Department.
Police Respond to Overboard Incident
On Saturday evening, a woman fell overboard from a sailboat near Belle Haven Yacht Club and clung to a mooring for approximately 15 minutes. Officers from the Greenwich Police Marine Section responded, throwing her a life ring and pulling her to safety. She was returned to the sailboat without injury, and no medical aid was requested.
Firefighters Honored for I-95 Response
Greenwich named firefighters involved in an I-95 accident response this summer as Employees of the Month. Despite serious injuries to colleagues, the team continued their work. The town recognizes their efforts during the incident.
FROM TOWN HALL
The Board of Selectmen has scheduled a public meeting on October 7 at 7 pm to address concerns about the North Street bridge replacement project. The Board of Estimate and Taxation has postponed the project’s approval until after this meeting. Residents with questions can email publicworks@greenwichct.org.
Rent Rebate Deadline Approaches
The Rent Rebate Program for elderly or disabled Connecticut renters ends on September 30, 2024. Eligible applicants can receive up to $900 for married couples and $700 for single individuals. To apply, contact the Greenwich Department of Human Services at 203-622-3800.
Feral Cat Ordinance Proposed in Greenwich
At last Thursday’s Selectmen meeting, town attorney Barbara Schellenberg introduced a draft ordinance to manage the feral cat problem in Old Greenwich, modeled on similar laws in other Connecticut towns. The ordinance would require feral cat keepers to register with Animal Control, ensure cats are vaccinated and sterilized, and prevent property damage, with fines for violations. The proposal also includes provisions for impounding or euthanizing unclaimed cats, sparking concerns, and will be reviewed further on September 26 before moving to the Representative Town Meeting for approval.
Greenwich Rejects Proposal
On Tuesday, the Greenwich Planning & Zoning Commission reviewed and ultimately rejected an affordable housing proposal by Mason Street Partners LLC due to unresolved issues. The project, which included two multi-story buildings with 92 residential units, was denied after concerns over pedestrian safety, environmental remediation, and infrastructure impact were raised. The decision followed a 4-1 vote to deny the original approval motion and a subsequent unanimous vote to formalize the denial.
Greenwich Withdraws Circus Ban Proposal
On September 16, the Representative Town Meeting in Greenwich withdrew a proposal to ban traveling circuses. The proposal, prompted by the United States Humane Society, failed to gain traction due to its lack of relevance, as no such circuses have visited the town in decades. The major circuses that used to feature animal acts have long ceased to do so.
Greenwich Parks Launches Social Media
Greenwich Parks and Recreation has launched new Facebook and Instagram accounts to provide updates on their programs and events. Following these accounts will keep residents informed about activities and announcements. Additional information is available on the department’s website.
AROUND TOWN
Youth Shine at Bluefish Tournament
At the Mianus River Boat and Yacht Club’s 39th Annual Bluefish Tournament, two boys placed first and third in the Junior Angler category. The event included food and prizes. It was a successful day of fishing for the participants.
Historic Overlay Proposed for Sherwood
A proposal seeks to apply a historic overlay to 49 Sherwood Place, preserving the 1860 home while allowing for the construction of a third housing unit. Current zoning permits two units, but the overlay would enable three. The Planning & Zoning Commission will review the application.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Steinway Reopens Showroom
Steinway & Sons has reopened its showroom at 1545 E. Putnam Ave., previously a fitness center, following the closure of their Greenwich Avenue location in April. The redesigned space features new flooring, lighting, and acoustic tiles for music recitals, allowing for a wider piano selection and event hosting. The showroom, which is the only Steinway location in Connecticut, aims to leverage its expanded facilities to better serve the local musical community.
DART Hosts Annual Charity Walk
Dana’s Angels Research Trust (DART) is hosting its seventh annual DART to the Finish Charity Walk on September 28 at Greenwich Point Park. Registration costs are $30 for adults, $15 for those aged 10-21, and free for children under 10, with a virtual participation option available for a $30 donation. DART has raised over $6.5 million for Niemann-Pick Type C (NPC) research, supporting clinical trials and advancements in treatments for NPC and related disorders.
Fundraiser Empowers Lives with Dignity
On October 19, The Undies Project will hold its fundraiser, “The Magic of Giving,” at Fish Church, 1101 Bedford Street, Stamford. The event will feature magician Gary Ferrar and emcee Kim Berns, with food from Aux Délices and free wine and beer. All proceeds will support the organization’s 55 partner agencies.
Duck Stamp Contest Showcases Talent
This year’s Federal Duck Stamp contest features 239 entries depicting various duck species, with judging taking place at the Bruce Museum this week. John Oliver, who previously submitted unconventional works, is not participating this year. The Duck Stamp program, established in 1934, has raised $1.1 billion for wetland conservation and continues to attract significant interest from artists and collectors.
Greenwich Pen Women Exhibit Opens
The Greenwich Pen Women exhibit is on display at Les Beaux Arts Gallery until November 7. The gallery, located at 395 Round Hill Road, Greenwich, is open Sundays from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm and Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm, closed on Saturdays. For more information, contact Gallery Curator Mirella Hajjar at 203.869.1091.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Baker Wins Preservation Award
Susie Baker received the 2024 David Ogilvy Preservation Award from the Greenwich Historical Society for her long-term commitment to environmental preservation in Greenwich. The award was given at the Annual Meeting on September 18 at the Belle Haven Club. Baker has been a significant figure in local environmental efforts, including her work with the Greenwich Point Conservancy and her 25-year teaching career in marine biology.
Tatiana Mori Wins Prestigious Arts Award
Tatiana Mori, Executive Director of the Greenwich Arts Council, has received the 2024 Scott Schuler Distinguished Art Advocate Award from the Connecticut Art Education Association. The award recognizes her substantial contributions to advancing arts education in Connecticut. The honor will be presented at the CAEA’s annual celebration.
SCHOOLS
DiPietro Verbal Commitment to Yale
Giselle DiPietro has verbally committed to Yale University. This marks a key step in her academic and athletic path.
Students Create Edible Water Bottles
Eighth-grade students at Sacred Heart Greenwich created edible water bottles using spherification, forming a membrane around water through a chemical reaction. They evaluated the pros and cons of the bottles. Students also discussed alternative uses for the technology.
Teens Recognized for Achievements
Greenwich Magazine named Gavin Haroche and Katie Byxbee, seniors at Greenwich Country Day School, to its 2024 “10 Teens To Watch” list. Haroche is a taekwondo black belt, robotics enthusiast, and founder of Whiz Kids. Byxbee is a Junior Olympian in water polo, co-president of an LGBTQ-affiliated club, and an advocate for children with hearing disabilities.
GCDS Seniors are Scholarship Semifinalists
Four Greenwich Country Day School seniors were named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists based on their PSAT/NMSQT scores. They represent less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors. The students are Imran Iftikar, Harrison Servedio, Penelope Hentsch-Cowles, and Declan O’Keeffe.
Investigation Follows Football Bus Incident
A bus carrying Greenwich High School’s freshman football team briefly drove the wrong way on I-95 due to construction detours, prompting an investigation by the district. No accidents occurred, and the driver has been removed from long routes pending the investigation. The district requested video and GPS data review and indicated possible retraining for drivers.
Greenwich Public Schools has set its policy for determining eligibility for free or reduced-price meals under NSLP, SBP, and SMP for the 2024-25 school year, with reduced-price eligible students receiving one free breakfast and lunch daily. Eligibility will be based on USDA Income Eligibility Guidelines, with applications available on the district’s website and distributed to students. Automatic eligibility applies to students from households receiving SNAP, TFA, or HUSKY A (Medicaid), while foster children are also eligible; all other households must submit an application with required income and household information.
Greenwich Students Shine in STEM Challenge
Greenwich High School freshmen Mikah Kaalund, Tyler Malkin, Caroline Stowe, and Mackensey Wilson have been named among the Top 300 Junior Innovators in the 2024 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge. The competition, run by the Society for Science, selected these students from nearly 2,000 entries nationwide. The finalists, to be announced later this week, will compete for various awards including the $25,000 Thermo Fisher Scientific ASCEND Award.
GHS Student Wins Prestigious Scholarship
Ashley Malkin, a senior at Greenwich High School, has been awarded a $10,000 Davidson Institute Fellow scholarship for her research on predicting drug-gene interactions in neurological disorders. Her work, titled “Identification of Therapeutics for Neurological Disorders through Development of a Novel Machine Learning System for Predicting Drug-Gene Interactions in the Glymphatic System,” falls under the Technology category. The Davidson Institute, established in 2000, aims to support and develop exceptionally gifted young individuals.
GPS Now Have Communication Boards
In December, a new communication board was introduced at Old Greenwich School and has since been installed at all eleven elementary schools in the district. These boards are designed to assist students with limited verbal skills and those learning English by using universally recognized symbols.
GHS Teacher Named Civics Finalist
Ms. Megan Ostruzka of Greenwich High School has been named a finalist for the Bill of Rights Institute’s National Civics Teacher of the Year Award. Finalists, selected from a nationwide search, each receive a $1,000 prize. The winner, who will be announced on September 17, will receive an additional $5,000.
CMS Teacher Featured in Science & Children
The July-August issue of Science & Children featured Central Middle School’s Ms. Jennifer Bresler and Ms. Samantha Franzese with Page Keeley. In March, GPS middle school teachers attended Keeley’s session at a national conference and subsequently invited her to lead a professional development workshop. Last month, Keeley worked with the GPS science team, focusing on formative assessment strategies and curriculum alignment.
SPORTS
SHG Dominates with Perfection
In their first three games of the 2024 season, the Sacred Heart Greenwich field hockey team has scored 20 goals while maintaining a perfect defensive record. They defeated School of the Holy Child, Kent School, and Hopkins School by a combined score of 20-0.
Cardinals’ M.J. D’Angelo Shines Bright
Greenwich opened their football season with a decisive 24-6 victory over West Haven, taking an early 14-point lead and maintaining control throughout the game. Senior quarterback M.J. D’Angelo made a strong debut, contributing both as a passer and a runner to lead the Cardinals to victory.
Brunswick Wins 30-0 Over Cheshire
Brunswick School’s football team opened their 2024 season with a dominant 30-0 victory over Cheshire Academy, reversing last year’s loss and showcasing strong performances from both their offense and defense. Senior quarterback Blake Hebert, making his debut, threw a touchdown pass and ran for another score, while the defense, led by senior captains, shut down Cheshire’s offense effectively.
SHG Field Hockey Begins Season With a Win
Sacred Heart Greenwich’s field hockey team began their 2024 season with a dominant 6-0 victory over School of the Holy Child, scoring all their goals in the first half. Despite the win, coach Alex Gheorghe noted the team is in a rebuilding phase with many new players and is focused on continued development throughout the season.
GHS Girls Soccer Builds on Last Season
The Greenwich High School girls soccer team aims to build on last season’s success, having recently secured a 1-0 victory over Wilton. Despite a tough start to the season, the team remains optimistic and focused on leveraging their leadership and young talent.
ACROSS CT
Veterans Stand Down Event
The Connecticut Veterans Affairs Stand Down 2024 will take place on September 20 at UCONN Stamford Campus. It will offer various services to veterans, active military members, and their families, including health support, benefits information, and employment aid. Transportation assistance is available, and more information can be found by calling 860-616-3772 or emailing standdown@ct.gov.
OUR NEIGHBORS
Restoration Project Enhances Fish Habitat
Trout Unlimited (TU) raised $200,000 and collaborated with various agencies and landowners to complete the Mianus River Park Stream Restoration Project in Stamford, CT. Trout Scapes, a Montana company, was hired to manage the project. The work focuses on deepening pools, adding structures, and improving river flow to enhance fish habitat.
North Castle Opposes Housing Development
North Castle, N.Y., opposes a plan to build 198 residential units at the Greenwich American Center campus, citing concerns over traffic, environmental impact, and inadequate review of effects on local water sources. The project, initially approved in 2023, has returned for further review due to modifications and a proposed $9.9 million contribution to affordable housing in Greenwich. Discussions continue as North Castle seeks to address these issues and negotiate adjustments to the development plan.
Local Students Shine in Journalism
Purchase College has announced the winners of its first high school journalism competition. Dana Rickens from the School of the Holy Child in Rye, New York, won the news category for her story on a new learning center at her school. Iris Pineda and Sofia Tibaldi from Mepham High School in Bellmore, New York, were also recognized.
