POLICE & FIRE
Officers Honored for Preventing DUI
Sgt. Smith, Officer Podmockly, and Officer Weinstock attended the 38th Annual Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony for MADD Connecticut. Officers Podmockly and Weinstock were recognized for their efforts to prevent drunk and drugged driving. The ceremony highlighted their contributions to community safety.
Photo Credit: Greenwich Police Department
Firefighters Contain Pemberwick House Fire
Firefighters from the Greenwich Professional Firefighters responded to a structure fire in Pemberwick yesterday. The fire was contained to one room of a private residence by the homeowner and the first arriving unit. The scene was later handed over to the Greenwich Fire Marshal’s Office after checks for further fire spread.
GoFundMe Supports Comatose Greenwich Detective
Greenwich Detective Michael Rooney, a 21-year veteran of the police department and former Marine, is in a coma after complications from brain surgery to remove a tumor. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support his wife and two children, to donate, visit the GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/detective-michael-rooney
Photo Credit: Go Fund Me Page
Greenwich Swears in Three New Officers
On October 1, First Selectman Fred Camillo swore in three new officers, Richard Delvecchio, Tessa Garcia, and Daniel Gillespie, at the Greenwich Public Safety Complex. Delvecchio graduated from Sacred Heart University with a degree in criminal justice in 2023, Garcia earned degrees in psychology and criminal justice in 2002, and Gillespie holds degrees in homeland security and criminal justice leadership. The officers began their police training on October 4 at the Connecticut Police Academy.
Greenwich Harbor Master Recognized for Service
Paul Cappiali, Greenwich’s Harbor Master for the past three years, was recognized on National Harbor Master Day for his contributions to the town’s harbor. He has voluntarily earned multiple certifications, including in mooring design, vessel traffic service, and dredging, enhancing the harbor’s safety and efficiency. Additionally, he is a certified first responder, reflecting his commitment to ensuring the harbor’s smooth operation and safety.
FROM TOWN HALL
Absentee Ballots Available
Absentee ballots for the November 5 election are now available at Greenwich Town Hall. Residents can apply online with a Connecticut ID or download the application to mail or submit in person. The Town Clerk’s office is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for those wishing to collect ballots directly.
Breast Cancer Alliance Flag Raising
On October 1, the Breast Cancer Alliance flag was raised at Town Hall to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month. BCA, headquartered in Greenwich, provides breast cancer services for underserved patients and funds research and surgical fellowships. Local businesses will support BCA throughout October, with the organization’s efforts continuing year-round.
October Highlights Rare Cancer Awareness
October is designated to raise awareness for various forms of cancer, and October 2 has been proclaimed Rare Cancer Awareness Day. Approximately 20 percent of cancer diagnoses are classified as rare, equating to 208,000 cases annually in adults, excluding pediatric cancers, which are all considered rare. Rare Cancer Awareness Day has received bipartisan recognition in the U.S. Congress.
Greenwich Collects Gift Cards for Thanksgiving
The Department of Human Services Fund is collecting $25 gift cards to Acme, ShopRite, or Stop & Shop to help Greenwich families in need purchase food for Thanksgiving. Donations are needed by November 21 and can be dropped off at Town Hall, donated online, or mailed as checks to the Department of Human Services. Checks should be payable to The Greenwich Department of Human Services Fund Inc. and mailed to 101 Field Point Road, Greenwich, CT 06830.
Village Overlay Approved
The Planning and Zoning Commission is set to approve a “village district overlay” for Sound Beach Avenue to preserve its character after recent ownership changes in the area. The overlay will require new developments to undergo review by the Architectural Review Committee, with a preference for natural materials. Additionally, the commission approved the opening of a DeCicco & Sons supermarket in Glenville, which includes rezoning for parking expansion.
AROUND TOWN
Tractor-Trailer Rollover Closes I-95 Ramp
Connecticut State Police closed the right lane of I-95 and the southbound ramp at exit 2 in Byram after a tractor-trailer rollover involving one other vehicle this past Monday morning. A heavy-duty wrecker was called, and both the Department of Consumer Protection and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection were notified due to spilled items and a fluid leak. No injuries were reported, and the crash was reported at 6:16 a.m.
OG Walk Promotes Shore Road Sidewalk
Last Wednesday, around 70 people gathered in Old Greenwich for Walk to School Day, an event also aimed at promoting the “Sidewalks on Shore” (SOS) initiative. The group advocates for building a sidewalk along Shore Road, citing safety concerns due to its use by both pedestrians and drivers. The Department of Public Works is reviewing the design, with hopes to include funding for construction in next year’s budget.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
NtN Expands Hours to Meet Growing Demand
Neighbor to Neighbor, a non-profit food pantry, received approval from the Planning & Zoning Commission to extend its operating hours to address client demand. The pantry will open earlier and add new afternoon hours to reduce congestion. Neighbor to Neighbor serves over 500 households weekly and has seen an 18 percent increase in clients over the past year.
RHVFC Oktoberfest
The Round Hill Volunteer Fire Company (RHVFC) will hold its annual Oktoberfest event on October 25, 2024, at the Round Hill Community House. The event will raise funds for the firehouse’s operations and support its renovation and modernization project. Tickets are available online at www.roundhillfire.org, and proceeds are tax-deductible.
Photo Credit: Round Hill Volunteer Fire Company
Library Book Van
Greenwich Library has introduced an electric Book Van, donated by the Friends of Greenwich Library, to deliver and collect materials for senior residents. The van is part of the Library’s efforts to improve accessibility for seniors and reduce its carbon footprint through sustainable practices. Key staff members were present for the launch.
Photo Credit Greenwich Library
Christ Church Author Talk on George H. W. and Barbara Bush
Christ Church will host an author talk and book signing with Rev. Dr. Russ Levenson on Sunday, October 13, 2024, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Parish Hall, Christ Church Greenwich. Rev. Dr. Levenson will discuss his book *Witness to Dignity: The Life and Faith of George H. W. and Barbara Bush*, sharing personal memories and photos from his 11½-year friendship with the Bushes. For more information, contact info@christchurchgreenwich.org.
DART Raises $160K for Niemann-Pick Research
Dana’s Angels Research Trust (DART) raised over $160,000 during its 7th annual DART to the Finish Charity Walk to fund research on Niemann-Pick Type C (NPC), a rare genetic disorder. This event follows the FDA’s approval of two therapies, Miplyffa combined with Miglustat, and Aqneursa, marking the first-ever approved treatments for NPC. The funds will support ongoing research initiatives and newborn screening efforts to further develop treatments for NPC and related diseases.
GEMS Hosts Halloween Ambulance Visits for Fundraiser
Greenwich Emergency Medical Service (GEMS) is offering Halloween visits with a decorated ambulance and staff in costumes to distribute treats on October 18, 19, 25, and 26 from 4 to 8 p.m. Families can participate for a $15 fee per child, with proceeds going toward GEMS’ purchase of medical equipment and supplies.
Sage + Sound Approved to Open Wellness Center
Sage + Sound, a wellness center from New York City, has received approval from the Greenwich Planning & Zoning Commission to open a new location in central Greenwich. The facility will offer wellness treatments and include a café, with the site featuring eight treatment rooms on the lower level and a café on the upper level. Parking concerns were addressed, with the commission satisfied that the available spaces would be sufficient.
SCHOOLS
GHS Ranked 4th in Connecticut
Greenwich High School was ranked 4th among public high schools in Connecticut by Niche, receiving an overall grade of A+. The school, which has 2,668 students and a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1, earned high marks in academics, teaching quality, and extracurriculars. According to state test results, 64 percent of students are proficient in math, and 79 percent in reading.
Hamilton Ave Debates AC Repair Options
Hamilton Avenue School has had a broken air conditioning system for over a year, and a report from AECOM outlined two options: repairing the geothermal system for $3.9 million or replacing it with a gas-powered system for $3.3 million. The gas system is expected to have lower operational costs over 25 years, but no decision has been made due to ongoing discussions about cost and environmental considerations. The decision will involve further review by other town bodies.
SPORTS
Brunswick Varsity Wins Sixth Tournament Title
Brunswick School’s Varsity A team won the Cardinal Tournament on October 5, 2024, defeating Greenwich High School 16-14 in a closely contested, back-and-forth championship game. Battling back from a four-goal deficit, Brunswick secured its sixth straight tournament title with a strong second-half performance.
GHS Field Hockey Extends Winning Streak
Greenwich High School’s field hockey team is on a five-game winning streak, highlighted by balanced scoring and strong defense. Led by contributions from multiple players and improving team chemistry, the Cardinals have earned dominant victories, including a 9-1 win over St. Joseph and a 10-0 win against Westhill.
GHS Football Stays Undefeated
Greenwich High School’s football team remains undefeated at 4-0 after a dominant 42-14 Homecoming victory over Danbury, excelling in all aspects of the game. The Cardinals will enter their bye week with momentum, continuing their pursuit of a state championship.
GHS Girls Swim Team Wins Over Darien
The Greenwich High School girls swimming and diving team remains undefeated five meets into the 2024 season, defeating Darien 101-77 in their toughest challenge yet. With strong performances across events, the team continues to build momentum toward their goal of peaking at the FCIAC and state championships in November.
GA Field Hockey Dominant Over St. Luke’s
Greenwich Academy’s field hockey team remains undefeated at 7-0-1 after a series of impressive victories, including a recent 5-0 win over St. Luke’s School. The Gators have displayed strong offensive and defensive performances, highlighted by standout players like Caroline Watts and Melanie Saunders.
GHS Boys Water Polo Eyes Rematch
Greenwich High School’s boys water polo team is enjoying a successful season, including a 20-10 victory over Greenwich Country Day and a strong showing at the Beast of the East Tournament, where they placed second behind Brunswick. The team looks forward to the upcoming Cardinal Tournament, with hopes of a rematch against their rival Brunswick in the championship game.
FROM HARTFORD
New CT Laws Now Effective
Several laws passed by the Connecticut General Assembly in 2024 went into effect on October 1st. These laws address safety for home health care aides, nursing home options for the elderly, and anti-discrimination protections for those receiving mental health care. More information is available at https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/content/aeauto.asp
ACROSS CT
World Food Day
World Food Day, observed on October 16th, was established by the United Nations to address global hunger and food security. The day promotes action to ensure access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for all. It highlights the challenges in achieving food equity worldwide.
CT Tests New Drunk Driving Technology
Connecticut is testing the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) to prevent impaired driving by using sensors to detect alcohol levels near the driver. If levels exceed the legal limit, the vehicle will not start. This technology is part of a broader effort to reduce drunk driving and may include continuous monitoring in future models.
National Dessert Day
National Dessert Day, celebrated on October 14th, highlights a wide variety of desserts, from cakes and cookies to pies and pastries. It encourages people to indulge in their favorite sweets and experiment with new recipes. The day is dedicated to enjoying and exploring the world of desserts.
