POLICE & FIRE
The Greenwich Police Department is recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month by displaying purple ribbon magnets on patrol vehicles and having officers wear purple ribbon pins. Domestic violence is the most investigated violent crime in Greenwich, with 250-300 cases reported annually, contributing to a national economic burden of $8.3 billion in medical costs and lost wages. The department’s Special Victims Section is available to assist victims at 203-622-8030, and a 24-hour hotline is accessible at 203-622-0003.
Officer Weinstock recently completed the grueling Basic Motorcycle Operator Course hosted by the Westport Police Department. Spanning 12 days, the course required mastery of eight challenging riding patterns, in addition to training in formation riding, traffic stops, and traffic management.
Photo Credit: Greenwich Police Department
In June, Greenwich Fire Department units responded to an overturned tractor-trailer on I-95 southbound during heavy rain. While at the scene, another tractor-trailer collided with Engine 1, injuring three firefighters, who then worked to free a trapped colleague. The town will honor the firefighters involved as “Employees of the Month” in October.
FROM TOWN HALL
The Greenwich Board of Selectmen approved the raising of the Israeli flag outside Town Hall on October 7, 2024, to commemorate the anniversary of the terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023. The board waived its usual two-reading process to meet the anniversary date, and the decision was made unanimously. The ceremony will include a moment of silence and memorial candles.
The Greenwich Department of Health will hold flu and pneumonia clinics at Town Hall in October for individuals aged 9 and older. Vaccines are offered on select dates, with fees of $35 for standard flu shots and $65 for high-dose vaccines for those 65 and older. Insurance, cash, or check payments will be accepted, and seniors can renew their park passes at two of the clinic dates.
Last Monday, Parkway School fourth-grader Maggie Madden served as First Selectman for a day, meeting with the First Selectman and learning about local government and the police department. She was introduced to key town responsibilities and had a discussion with the Chief of Police. Future school visits to Town Hall are planned to engage more students in civic education.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, marked by a partnership between the Town and the Breast Cancer Alliance (BCA) to raise awareness. A flag-raising ceremony was held on October 1 at Town Hall, open to the public. The BCA provides breast cancer services to underserved patients and funds research and fellowships.
Joseph Laucella, Greenwich’s Emergency Management Director, has established a partnership with Harvest Time Church at 1338 King Street to use the facility as an emergency shelter. The church will serve as a location for temporary housing, supply distribution, mass feeding, and charging stations during emergencies. Officials recently reviewed plans for how the church will function in these roles if needed.
At a recent Board of Selectmen meeting, residents raised concerns about the noise from a temporary HVAC system installed after the school’s geothermal system failed. The Board of Education discussed options, including replacing the geothermal system or rehabilitating it, with the latter being more costly. The decision remains pending, while the temporary HVAC continues to operate, causing noise issues for the neighborhood.
At the September 26 Board of Selectmen meeting, an amendment was proposed to limit truck traffic in Byram by restricting trucks over 4 tons on William Street West and Veterans Way. The board unanimously approved the ordinance. Enforcement will be through tickets, with local residents expected to assist by reporting violations.
Last Thursday, the Greenwich Board of Education met with six members present, discussing the need to fill the seat vacated by Karen Kowalski. Mihir Shah, the vice president of the Greenwich High School student body, outlined goals for improving school attendance and spirit, while ongoing concerns about safety, teacher shortages, and class sizes were raised by school officials and parents. The superintendent addressed issues regarding flex time and foreign language instruction cuts, indicating challenges in balancing student needs and resources.
The Greenwich Department of Public Works will hold a hybrid public meeting on October 7, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the North Street Bridge replacement project. The meeting will take place at the Greenwich Town Hall and via Zoom, with phone access available for those without internet. Information about the project and accessibility accommodations can be found on the town’s website or by contacting the Department of Human Services.
The Fair Rent Commission in Greenwich held its first meeting to begin mediating landlord-tenant disputes, particularly addressing rent increases. Created under a 2022 Connecticut law, the commission has authority to block excessive rent hikes, though officials expect limited use of its powers. The commission will meet monthly, working with town staff to develop procedures for handling complaints.
The Department of Public Works (DPW) successfully secured $450,000 from the Board of Estimate and Taxation to fund ADA compliance upgrades at eight intersections along Greenwich Avenue. The project, which includes accessible ramps, curbs, and parking changes, is expected to begin this fall and be completed by September 2025. The upgrades will reduce two parking spaces while increasing accessible parking to 19 spots.
AROUND TOWN
As winter approaches, bumble bee queens rely on leaf litter for shelter to survive until spring, when they establish new colonies. Without sufficient leaf cover, their survival rate drops, potentially reducing pollination in local ecosystems. To support bumble bee populations, consider leaving fallen leaves undisturbed this fall.
On October 5, Greenwich residents can bring documents for shredding to the Island Beach Parking Lot from 9:30 a.m. to noon, with a fee of $3 per box (exact cash only), and a limit of five boxes per person. Only paper documents are accepted, and items like folders, metal clips, and binders must be removed. Participants are encouraged to bring food donations for Neighbor to Neighbor. The event is not open to commercial businesses.
The second annual Teddy’s Ride will take place on Sunday, October 13th, starting at 9 a.m. at the Island Beach Parking Lot. The five-mile bike ride through Bruce Park supports The Teddy Balkind Charitable Foundation, which provides grants to local grassroots organizations. Details and registration can be found at https://www.teddybalkindcharitablefoundation.org/events/teddysride2024
Around 70 people gathered in Old Greenwich for Walk to School Day, using the event to advocate for the completion of the “SOS” initiative, which calls for sidewalks along Shore Road. The Department of Public Works is reviewing a feasibility study for the project, and the community aims to request funding for construction in the next year’s budget. Local officials have voiced support for the initiative, which sought to improve pedestrian safety along the busy route.
The elevator at the Greenwich train station was repaired last Friday. The elevator had been non-operational for an extended period, causing significant inconvenience, but repairs were completed just before the launch of a local redevelopment project. Town officials confirmed its full functionality through an email sent by the Superintendent of Building Construction and Maintenance.
Primrose Schools plans to open a preschool and daycare at the former Connecticut Natural Gas site at 16 Old Track Lane in Greenwich. The property owner has applied for a zoning change to repurpose the 13,000 square foot building into classrooms and caregiving spaces, accommodating up to 144 children. The proposal is awaiting review by the town’s Planning & Zoning Commission.
Greenwich has received a $799,200 state grant to upgrade an outdated intersection where Field Point Road, Prospect Street, and Horseneck Lane meet. The project will replace old traffic signals, improve timing, and make pedestrian crossings ADA-compliant. Construction is expected to begin in the spring, pending final approval from the Representative Town Meeting.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Greenwich Emergency Medical Service (GEMS) has been reaccredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) for meeting national standards of excellence. GEMS is one of 186 services in the U.S. to complete this voluntary review process, which includes an application and an on-site evaluation. This reaccreditation maintains GEMS as one of only two accredited ambulance services in Connecticut.
The Watches of Switzerland Group, in partnership with Patek Philippe, has opened a 1,300 square foot showroom in Greenwich, Connecticut. The new showroom, designed with inspiration from Patek Philippe’s Genevan heritage, will offer timepieces and customer services. This location expands the group’s partnership with Patek Philippe and is now open at 243 Greenwich Avenue.
The Junior League of Greenwich celebrated its 65th anniversary with the “Find The Good Day” initiative, promoting acts of kindness and community service. League members prepared sandwiches for over 300 children in local after-school programs and assembled backpacks with necessities for Kids in Crisis.
Garden Catering is introducing two new sauces, Rowdy Ranch and Thai-GRRR, expanding its lineup to 11 sauces on September 30. The new sauces will also be featured in limited-time menu items, and customers can enter a contest to win free nuggets for a year by ordering them online. Starting October 21, customers can vote for their favorite sauce, with the winning flavor announced on November 6.
The Bruce Museum will exhibit works by its inaugural artist-in-residence, Kimberly Klauss, from October 8 to December 1. The exhibit features six original pieces created during her residency, inspired by abstract works by George Morrison and McArthur Binion. Klauss’ art focuses on themes of identity, memory, and self-representation, drawing from her personal experiences and background.
The union at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich ratified a new contract after 133 workers went on strike during Labor Day weekend. The agreement includes a wage increase of up to 15% in the first year, improved health care benefits, and the introduction of a union pension plan. This strike was part of a larger movement affecting 10,000 workers across the hospitality industry in several U.S. cities.
Greenwich Hospital was recognized as a top performer in the 2024 Bernard A. Birnbaum, MD, Quality Leadership Study by Vizient, Inc. The study, which included 860 hospitals, evaluates performance across six areas: safety, mortality, effectiveness, efficiency, patient-centeredness, and equity of care. This recognition is based on data from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.
ART06870 in Old Greenwich will host the *10² – Using Art as a Vehicle for Change* exhibition on October 5, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, featuring over 100 artists. The event, in partnership with the Greenwich Alliance for Education, includes an auction of 12 x 12-inch artworks priced at $300 to support local art workshops for children. Proceeds will fund creative programs at the Boys & Girls Club and other community spaces.
The Greenwich Hospital Board of Trustees and Campaign Leadership Council held an annual benefit on September 27 at Greenwich Country Club to support the Arc of Care Campaign, which aims to raise $125 million for hospital improvements. To date, the campaign has raised over $82 million to enhance five key areas of care: Behavioral Health, Children’s Health, Heart and Vascular, Neuroscience, and Oncology. The event also honored local residents Icy and Scott Frantz with an inaugural award and recognized two physicians for their contributions to healthcare.
Friends of Binney Park will hold a Birdhouse Art Auction on Sunday, October 27, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Images of Old Greenwich, 202 Sound Beach Avenue. The auction will feature 27 birdhouses made by local artists, with all proceeds going toward park maintenance and improvements. The event is open to the public.
Abigail Fox and Serendipity are merging to create 365 Collective, a rebranded lifestyle and gift boutique offering curated products both online and in-store. The new women-led business will feature custom gift design, exclusive events, and daily editorial content focused on wellness, travel, and culinary experiences. The physical store will open in Greenwich, with an emphasis on sustainability and support for local and minority-owned businesses.
A Greenwich resident won $20,000 by playing the 20X Cash 9th Edition game from the Connecticut Lottery. The winning $20 ticket was purchased at a gas station on 401 W. Putnam Avenue. There are 147 grand prize winners out of 2.8 million tickets for this game, according to the CT Lottery.
Work has begun on expanding and renovating the Cos Cob Library for the first time since its 1999 construction. The project will add 1,120 square feet, including a new 857-square-foot community room, and will also reconfigure interior spaces, providing 600 additional square feet for children and young adults. The project is expected to be completed by summer 2025.
Photo Credit: Greenwich Library
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Greenwich High School sophomore Jocelyn O’Neill is participating in the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation’s (MMRF) Walk/Run in New York City this coming Sunday, October 5, at Pier 76, raising funds for cancer research. The MMRF focuses on multiple myeloma, the second most common blood cancer, and directs 90% of donations to research and programs. More information on supporting Jocelyn’s efforts is available on her fundraising page or the MMRF event website.
Three Greenwich students have been named finalists in the 2024 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge and will compete in Washington, D.C., from October 25 to 30. Mikah Kaalund developed a project on improving indoor air quality using HEPA filtration and dehumidification, Tyler Malkin created a rapid salivary diagnostic for iodine deficiency, and Mackensey Wilson studied the prevalence of butylated hydroxytoluene in dog foods. They will compete for over $100,000 in awards.
Town Hall recognizes an Employee of the Month, with their photo displayed in the lobby. For September, Tamara Warren, who works at the front desk and answers calls on the main line, is the honoree.
Three Greenwich students, Austin and Trevor Ho, along with Nick Petrov, founded CT Car Care, a car detailing business. The business offers a range of detailing services, including hand-washing, polishing, and paint chip repairs, with service packages outlined on their website. They operate primarily through mobile visits and have grown their clientele through word of mouth and social media.
SCHOOLS
Greenwich Public Schools will hold a safety seminar for families and staff at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at Cos Cob School, with Greenwich Police Chief Jim Heavey as a guest. The seminar will cover safety protocols, security measures, and video surveillance updates. Attendees can join in person or via Zoom, and the event will be recorded for later viewing.
The Greenwich High School String Ensemble has been selected to perform at the 2025 National Association for Music Education’s Eastern Division Conference on April 25 in Hartford, directed by Bethany Fuscaldo. The Connecticut Music Educators Association (CMEA) chose only a limited number of secondary school ensembles for the event. The conference will also include research presentations and academic sessions for educators.
Ms. Chris Powers, a 2019 Distinguished Teacher Award recipient, has been selected to present at an upcoming conference. Her submissions, The 12 Steps of MELODIC Literacy using Conversational Solfege and The 12 Steps of RHYTHMIC Literacy using Conversational Solfege, were accepted. The CMEA reported over 300 proposals were submitted.
The New Lebanon School community, along with the NLS PTA, dedicated a memory bench in honor of Samantha Birchard, a building substitute who had recently begun the 2023-2024 school year. Birchard, 22, had planned to pursue a career in Special Education. A memorial birdhouse was also filled with seed as part of the tribute.
Greenwich High School senior Thomas McKinney and his team from Greenwich Green & Clean organized a cleanup at Binney Park earlier this month. With 104 volunteers, they collected 330 pounds of litter, setting new records for both participation and trash removal.
Greenwich High School junior Alexandra Gusinski won the 2023 Best High School STEM Award from Constituting America and toured the U.S. Capitol, meeting former congress members and Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. She is passionate about STEM and medicine, becoming a certified EMT in January 2024 and volunteering with Greenwich Emergency Medical Services. Additionally, Alexandra is involved in film production, scuba diving, and martial arts, showcasing a diverse range of interests and accomplishments.
Forty Greenwich High School seniors have been named Commended Students in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program, recognizing their academic achievement. These students placed among the top 50,000 in the 2023 PSAT/NMSQT® but will not advance in the competition. The students are Adam Allegro, Ishan Ambastha, Allison Bauer, Owen Benison, Justin Bernstein, Anthony Bozza, Jeremy Buss, Cecilia Cho, Ethan Cooper, Margaret Fales, Luis Galic, Zara Haque, Lauren P. Huang, Evan Kostin, Daniel Lee, Charlotte Marcussen, Adam McFarlane, Kaes McGeary, Thomas McKinney, Margaret Miklautsch, Rohan Mittal, Brandon Nadel, Olivia Nguyen, Michael Nogaki, Vedant Prasad, Shafi Reilly, Martin Rocca, Natasha Samant, William Schuhmacher, Mihir Shah, Thomas Song, Emma Stehmann, Thomas Stowe, Benjamin Tirana, Abigail Vandervoorn, Robert Vine, Benjamin Webster, Sarah Wick, Alexander Zhao, and Zerach Zou.
Ten Sacred Heart Greenwich student films have been selected for the 12th annual All-American High School Film Festival, held at the AMC Empire 25 Theatre in Times Square, New York City, on October 19-20, 2024. The selected films are: Comedy: Ella Breitenbach & Bella Nardis, Commercial_Edit_Take_18.4; Documentary: Mia Ritossa, Taya, Claire McMonagle, Three Point Triangle, Daphne Fallon, Spreading Wings; Experimental: Lila Caruso, If My Body Could Speak, Lila Caruso, INFRARED; PSA: Lila Caruso, Dual Reality, Laurie Starke, Just One Click, Amy Walsh, Recharge; Sports Feature: Grace Villar, Shoulder Check. For more details or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.hsfilmfest.com/tickets
Two unions representing nearly 500 town employees reached agreements for new contracts, providing wage increases through 2028. The Teamsters’ contract includes a 2.5% annual wage increase, while the GOSA agreement offers a 2.9% increase, both with additional healthcare contributions from employees. The Representative Town Meeting voted against sending the contracts to arbitration, allowing them to move forward.
SPORTS
Sacred Heart Greenwich edged Greenwich Academy 2-1 in a competitive FAA soccer match, with goals from Arianna Chin and Anna Fullerton securing the Tigers’ victory. Despite strong pressure from Greenwich Academy, Sacred Heart’s defense and key saves by goalkeeper Olivia Figueiredo preserved their lead, marking their third straight win.
Greenwich High School rallied in the final minutes to defeat Bishop Hendricken 21-20, with quarterback M.J. D’Angelo scoring a 17-yard touchdown and leading his team to a comeback win. A blocked PAT by Richie McMurray and a late-game interception by Noah Steele secured the victory against Rhode Island’s top-ranked team.
Greenwich High School’s girls volleyball team faced their first loss of the season in a 3-1 defeat against Southington, ending their seven-game winning streak. Despite the setback, the Cardinals quickly bounced back, securing two consecutive 3-0 victories, bringing their overall record to 9-1.
Greenwich High School’s girls soccer team secured a crucial 2-1 win against Danbury, improving their record to 3-4 and boosting their point total in the FCIAC standings. With standout goals from Skylar Aysseh and Ashley Morris, the Cardinals dominated early and held off Danbury’s efforts to stage a comeback.
LOCAL POLITICS
Candidates for the Connecticut state House and Senate will participate in three debates in October ahead of the November 5 election, starting with an October 8 event hosted by the Round Hill Association. Additional debates, including one at Greenwich High School for students on October 9 and another public debate on October 15 hosted by the League of Women Voters, will feature candidates from key districts. These debates will give voters insight into the candidates’ positions just weeks before early voting, which runs from October 21 to November 3.
FROM HARTFORD
On Friday, Governor Ned Lamont approved the deployment of a Connecticut urban search and rescue team to assist North Carolina in response to Hurricane Helene. The eight-member team, coordinated by the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, will focus on search and rescue operations. This deployment follows a Connecticut National Guard unit that left earlier with a CH-47 Chinook helicopter and a five-soldier flight crew.
Governor Ned Lamont announced that Connecticut’s minimum wage will increase from $15.69 to $16.35 per hour starting January 1, 2025, as mandated by a 2019 law linking wage adjustments to the federal employment cost index. The Connecticut Department of Labor determined a 4.2% increase in the index, resulting in the $0.66 wage hike. Future adjustments will continue to be announced annually by October 15 for implementation the following January.
ACROSS CT
In response to Hurricane Helene, Eversource is sending crews from Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire to Virginia to assist Appalachian Power in restoring electricity. About 40 line crews from each state, along with 20 support personnel, are part of the deployment. Crews left on September 29, while sufficient resources remain at home to handle any local issues.
Connecticut received an “A-” grade for the second consecutive year from the Center for Digital Government for its digital government initiatives, ranking first in the nation for digital services related to transportation and motor vehicles. The state has launched several online portals to streamline access to services for residents and businesses. The recognition was part of the Center’s 2024 Digital States Survey released Thursday.
