POLICE & FIRE
Fire Department Expedites New Engine Arrival
In June, Engine 1 was declared a total loss after being struck by an unregistered truck while responding to a crash on Interstate 95. The Greenwich Fire Department estimates that replacing and repairing damaged equipment will cost about $1.5 million, which includes $1.3 million for a new fire truck and additional funds for other repairs. Due to a national backlog in fire truck manufacturing, acquiring replacements will take several years, but a recent agreement will expedite the production of two new engines, which are expected to arrive within a year.
Shein Mystery Box Scam Alert
A phishing scam is posing as Shein, offering a fake “Mystery Box” prize to steal personal information. The email lacks Shein’s branding and directs recipients to a fraudulent website. To avoid falling victim, verify emails through official sources and check links carefully.
FROM TOWN HALL
Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Ban Ends Soon
The summer ban on gas-powered leaf blowers will end on September 30, allowing their use on all residential properties starting October 1, within designated hours. Commercial use remains prohibited on Sundays. The restrictions will be reinstated next May, with fines for violations starting in 2025.
Selectmen Discuss Ordinance for Feral Cats
The Board of Selectmen met on September 26 at 10 am to discuss a proposed ordinance addressing feral cats, with further public input and a possible vote. The meeting also included a second reading of a proposed four-ton weight limit for certain streets in Byram. Deliberation on the proposed all-way stop in Cos Cob is postponed until October 12.
Greenwich Trust Fund Promotes Affordable Housing
The public was invited to attend the September 23 meeting of the Greenwich Affordable Housing Trust Fund, held in person and via Zoom at 7:30 pm The meeting included a presentation on the Trust Fund’s efforts to promote affordable housing and its role in managing development under Hartford’s 8-30(g) mandates. More information about the Trust Fund is available online.
Commission Reviews Saks Conversion Proposal
The Planning & Zoning Commission is reviewing a proposal to convert second-floor retail space at Saks Fifth Avenue on Greenwich Avenue into office space, due to the current retail operations’ poor performance. The proposed change would add approximately 9,365 square feet of office space, raising concerns about setting a precedent for similar conversions in the area. The commission has requested more data on local office demand before making a decision.
AROUND TOWN
Greenwich Earns National StormReady Designation
The Town of Greenwich has been designated as a “StormReady” community by the National Weather Service, indicating its compliance with emergency preparedness standards. This recognition follows an evaluation by officials from the National Weather Service, FEMA, and the Connecticut Department of Emergency Management. A ceremony to officially acknowledge this status was held on September 26th at 2 PM in the Emergency Operations Center at the Greenwich Police Department.
Greenwich Celebrates U.S. Air Force Founding
Last Wednesday, a flag-raising and proclamation ceremony was held to recognize the founding of the U.S. Air Force on September 18, 1947. The Town of Greenwich plans to make this an annual event, with flag approvals set to be discussed at the Board of Selectmen’s January 2025 meeting. Similar ceremonies will also be held to honor the Navy, Marine Corps, and National Guard later in the year.
Greenwich Celebrates Mexican Independence Day Event
First Selectman Fred Camillo attended a ceremony at Town Hall on Monday to mark Mexican Independence Day, which included a flag raising, music, and a message from the Mexican consulate. The event, organized by Ann Blumensaadt and Robert Genna, concluded with a reception in the courtyard. It is part of a series of cultural observances supported by the town’s flag policy.
Red Cross Blood Drive Scheduled for October
A Red Cross blood drive will be held on October 7 from 1:30 pm to 6 pm at Christ Church’s Social Hall, 254 East Putnam Avenue in Greenwich. Walk-ins are accepted based on availability, but appointments are recommended. For more information or to schedule, visit the Red Cross website or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
FEMA Assistance Available for Those Affected by Storm
Residents impacted by the August 18-19, 2024 storms can apply for FEMA disaster assistance online, through the FEMA app, or by calling 1-800-621-3362. Applicants must provide personal details, damage reports, and insurance information. Assistance includes financial help for urgent needs, temporary housing, home repairs, and loans for uncovered property losses.
Veterans Honored with Wartime Service Medals
On Monday, Senator Ryan Fazio, with the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, held a ceremony in Greenwich to award the Connecticut Wartime Service Medal to local veterans, some of whom were represented by their families. The event was at Greenwich High School, and Major General Thomas Bouchard, recently retired, delivered a speech. The medal, established in 2005, honors veterans and features symbols of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Valley Jam Draws Larger Crowd This Year
The 16th Valley Jam, organized by the Pemberwick-Glenville Association, took place on September 22 and attracted a larger crowd than in previous years. The event featured various activities, including crafts, a dunk tank, and food trucks, alongside live music performances. Raffle tickets for local business prizes were also available, contributing to the event’s community spirit.
New Luxury Condo Hotel Planned
The New England Land Team of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury will market The Field Point, a luxury condominium hotel being developed by The Glazer Group in Greenwich, Connecticut. Comprising 13 units priced between $1.75 million and $3 million, the development includes two main buildings, the Manor House and Carriage House, with the first units expected to be ready in 2024. The property will feature a restaurant and various amenities, including high-end finishes and management services.
Landmarks Program Honors Historic Sites
The Landmarks Recognition Program in Greenwich awarded plaques to the First Congregational Church Meeting House, the former Rosemary Hall Gymnasium on Brunswick School property, and two private residences: Stonycrest and the Walhall Gatehouse. The recognition took place during the Historical Society’s Annual Meeting on September 18, highlighting the importance of preserving architectural heritage. A panel of local architects conducted a thorough selection process to identify these significant sites.
OG Real Estate Portfolio Sold for $19 Million
The Nolan-Thomas family trust has sold a real estate portfolio in Old Greenwich for $19 million, which includes 17 retail storefronts, 17 office suites, 10 apartments, and a large warehouse. The new owners, OG Real Estate LLC, completed the transaction in mid-September. This portfolio was historically significant, originating from George Boles, an early developer of the local business district in the 20th century.
Armory Redevelopment Plans Progress
After over a decade of discussions, the redevelopment plans for the Armory site on Mason Street are advancing to include six new residential units while preserving the historic drill shed. The project, which aims to align with the nearby Central Fire Station’s architectural style, has undergone extensive review by the Historic District Commission. The proposal, which retains existing office spaces in the Armory building, remains open for further discussions.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
RHCC Hosts Animal Blessing Service
On September 29 at 10:00 am, Round Hill Community Church will hold its Blessing of the Animals service at the Round Hill Community House. Attendees may bring their pets or memorial items for deceased animals, and a bluegrass band will perform. After the service, there will be a Coffee Hour with refreshments for all.
Annual Paper Shredding Day
Greenwich will hold its annual paper shredding event on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the Island Beach parking lot from 9:30 a.m. to noon, allowing residents to securely dispose of sensitive documents. Each vehicle can bring up to five boxes of paper, with a size limit similar to a case of wine, and the cost is $3 per box. Attendees can also donate unopened food and toiletry items for Neighbor to Neighbor.
Wallace Center Hosts Successful First Giving Day
On September 25, 2024, the Friends of the Wallace Center held their first Giving Day to support the Center’s mission. Funds raised were allocated for new handheld weights, a rack system for fitness programs, and a large projection screen for member events. The Wallace Center provides health, social engagement, and volunteer services to help residents age well.
Dr. Katie Wellness Expands Team
Dr. Katie Wellness Insights has added Dr. Kathleen Cannon, a naturopathic doctor focused on identifying the root causes of health issues. She utilizes various modalities, including nutrition, herbal medicine, and lifestyle changes, to create personalized treatment plans for patients. Dr. Cannon emphasizes collaborative care and integrates naturopathic approaches with conventional medicine.
DoorDash Grants $5,000 to Neighbor to Neighbor
DoorDash has announced a $5,000 grant to Neighbor to Neighbor Greenwich as part of its Project DASH initiative, which has allocated over $300,000 this year to combat food insecurity. The grant aims to enhance local delivery services, improving access to food and essential goods. Since 2018, Project DASH has completed over 6 million deliveries, providing more than 100 million meals to food banks and similar organizations.
Courage & Faith Hosts Music and Faith Event
Courage & Faith will host “Songwriting and Faith: Maggi Dawn in Conversation and Music with Rob Mathes” on October 5, 2024, at 7:00 PM at Christ Church Greenwich, featuring a performance by Maggi Dawn and a book signing. The event, which is free to attend, focuses on the intersection of music and faith. For more details, you can find the full article in this week’s paper.
JLG Celebrates Community Service Day
The Junior League of Greenwich observed “Find the Good Day” on September 19 by completing over 50 hours of community service, including delivering 320 sandwiches and assembling 60 backpacks for local children in need. This initiative is part of a global campaign involving over 200 Junior Leagues to promote community engagement. For the full article, see this week’s paper.
International Hawk Migration Week
This week was International Hawk Migration Week, highlighting the migration of birds of prey from North America to Central and South America. Kathleen Hernández visited to discuss efforts to improve Andean Forest habitats and plans for a preserve and visitor center. The Hawk Watch continues until November 30th, with Hawk Watch Weekend scheduled for October 5th and 6th.
Mothers for Others Recognized on Diaper Need Awareness Day
Representatives from the Greenwich-based non-profit Mothers for Others visited the Office of the First Selectman for a proclamation recognizing September 26 as Diaper Need Awareness Day. This summer, the organization distributed its one millionth diaper and continues to partner with Neighbor to Neighbor to meet local diaper needs. More information about their work and how to support it is available online.
LWV Hosts Election Security Panel
The League of Women Voters of Greenwich will host a virtual panel discussion on election security on September 30th from 7:00 to 8:30 pm via Zoom. The event will cover topics like pre-election testing, post-election audits, mail-in ballot security, and the challenges posed by AI. Registration is required to attend.
Numisma Bank Opens Headquarters in Greenwich
Numisma Bank has opened its world headquarters in Greenwich, Connecticut, after obtaining an innovation bank charter from the state’s Department of Banking, which provides regulatory solutions tailored for fintech companies. The bank, which focuses on the distribution of U.S. and foreign currency banknotes, is the first in Connecticut to gain a Federal Reserve master account, allowing it access to the Federal Reserve System. Numisma aims to fill a gap left by traditional banks in this specialized sector, operating exclusively with a cloud-based infrastructure for international transactions.
Oral History Project Seeking Resident Stories
The Oral History Project at Greenwich Library invites residents to share their stories on October 26 from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM in 30-minute recorded sessions. Participants will receive a digital copy of their interview, with registration required through the Library’s calendar. Established in 1974, the project has conducted over 1,250 interviews and is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Greenwich Brewing Co. Now Open
The Greenwich Brewing Company opened on Friday at 109 Greenwich Avenue, featuring a menu of affordable options like burgers, wings, salads, and gluten-free Nashville Hot Chicken. The establishment includes a section called “King of the Coop” with various chicken dishes and offers four house-brewed beers along with hard fruit juices. Currently, the brewing is done off-site, but there are plans for future on-site production and a line of spirits branded as “Greenwich 1640.”
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Second Annual Teddy’s Ride
The second annual Teddy’s Ride will take place on Sunday, October 13, starting from the Island Beach Parking Lot in Greenwich, with registration at 9:00 am and the ride commencing at 10:00 am. This five-mile bike ride through Bruce Park supports the Teddy Balkind Charitable Foundation, which funds grassroots organizations connected to Teddy. Morning refreshments will be provided by Garden Catering, and Bax Cycles will offer technical support and co-sponsor a silent auction bike with Cannondale.
SCHOOLS
SHG Holds Mass of the Holy Spirit
On Friday, September 20th, Sacred Heart Greenwich held its annual Mass of the Holy Spirit, during which Bishop Frank J. Caggiano commissioned 34 seniors to serve as Eucharistic Ministers. Educators and students gathered for the event, which was captured by photographer Erin Snopkowskie.
SPORTS
GHS Girls Soccer Clinches Key Victory
Greenwich High School’s girls soccer team secured a crucial 2-1 victory against Danbury High School, improving their record to 3-4 and boosting their point total in the FCIAC standings. The win was marked by strong performances from senior Skylar Aysseh and sophomore Ashley Morris, who scored the team’s goals, as well as solid defensive play, setting a positive tone for their upcoming matches.
Brunswick Football Triumphs Over Salisbury
Brunswick School’s football team secured a 34-14 victory over Salisbury School, highlighted by strong performances from senior quarterback Blake Hebert and a solid defense that forced multiple turnovers. Hebert threw for two touchdowns and rushed for two more, while the Bruins’ defense limited Salisbury to just 106 yards.
Sacred Heart Field Hockey Dominates King School
Sacred Heart Greenwich’s field hockey team bounced back from a narrow loss to Taft School by defeating King School 5-0 in an FAA match. The Tigers scored four goals in the second quarter, improving their record to 4-1.
In a dominant performance, M.J. D’Angelo connected with Matthew O’Donnell for three touchdown passes in the first quarter, helping Greenwich High School take a 21-0 lead against Stamford. The Cardinals ultimately secured a convincing 37-7 victory, improving their record to 2-0.
GHS Field Hockey Defeats Wilton
Greenwich High School field hockey defeated Wilton 2-1 in a dramatic finish, with Niene Boezen scoring the game-winning goal just as time expired. The victory marked Greenwich’s fourth win of the season and showcased their resilience despite being down a player for five minutes during the match.
GA Volleyball Starts Season Strong
Greenwich Academy’s volleyball team, consistently a contender in the FAA league, is off to a strong start in the 2024 season with two wins out of three matches. They recently defeated School of the Holy Child 3-0, showcasing strong performances from players like Gioia Brown and Caroline Brower, while the team’s co-captains, Natalie Bunnell and Hannah Murray, emphasize the importance of teamwork and resilience as they aim to build on last year’s semifinal success.
GHS Boys Soccer Takes On Staples
Greenwich High School’s boys soccer team secured a 6-3 victory over Staples, taking an early lead and responding effectively after the Wreckers narrowed the gap to one goal in the second half. With this win, Greenwich improved to 5-0 on the season, having outscored opponents 20-4 thus far.
GHS Volleyball Remains Undefeated
Greenwich High School’s volleyball team maintained its perfect season with a 3-0 victory over Fairfield Ludlowe, bringing their record to 4-0. The Cardinals showcased strong teamwork and individual performances, particularly from senior Alina Sarkissian, who contributed significantly with 14 kills and five blocks.
LOCAL POLITICS
LWV Greenwich to Host Upcoming Political Debates
League of Women Voters Greenwich will hold two debates for the 36th State Senate District and State House Districts 149, 150, and 151 on October 15. The debates will be in the Town Hall Meeting Room with limited seating, and remote viewing will be available. Registration is required, and the debates will be broadcast on GCTV and streamed online.
Round Hill Association Hosts Candidate Debate
The Round Hill Association will host a debate on October 8 at the Round Hill Community House, featuring candidates for State Representative and State Senate. The event begins with a social gathering at 6:30 pm, followed by debates from 7:00 to 8:45 pm Attendees can submit questions in advance.
ACROSS CT
GM Recalls Vehicles for Brake Issue
General Motors is recalling several 2023-2024 vehicle models due to a brake fluid warning light issue that could affect braking performance. Affected owners will receive a free software update, either over-the-air or through a dealership, to resolve the problem. Notifications are expected to be sent by the end of October. The recall can be found at https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCAK-24V674-5540.pdf
Connecticut Celebrates Sustainability & Resiliency Week
Connecticut designated September 22-29, 2024, as “Sustainability & Resiliency Week.” The initiative aims to address environmental challenges and enhance community preparedness for climate-related impacts. It promotes efforts toward sustainability and resilience across the state.
OUR NEIGHBORS
Beardsley Zoo Team Wins Award
Jim Knox and Carolyn Rinaldi of Beardsley Zoo were awarded the Significant Achievement in Conservation Education award for the Cool Blue Bridgeport program by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. The award recognizes the team’s efforts in conservation education. The zoo thanked the Association and acknowledged the team’s work.
