Massive Meat Recall Expands Nationwide
BrucePac has expanded its recall of meat and poultry products to over 11.7 million pounds due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination, now including shipments to schools. The recall affects products like chicken patties and ready-to-eat items distributed nationwide to restaurants and retailers such as Walmart and Costco. No illnesses have been reported, but consumers and institutions are advised to discard or return the affected products. A list of recalled products are available at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/food_label_pdf/2024-10/Recall-028-2024-Labels.pdf.
POLICE & FIRE
Walk Against Domestic Violence
Chief Heavey and officers joined the YWCA Greenwich’s Walk the Walk Against Domestic Violence and 5K Run. The event supports the Harmony Project, providing aid to domestic violence victims. Photo credit: Greenwich Police Department Instagram.
Fire Contained in Pemberwick Incident
On October 9th, Greenwich Professional Firefighters responded to a structure fire in Pemberwick. Engine 3 contained the fire to a single room with support from other units. The scene was then turned over to the Greenwich Fire Marshal’s Office. Photo credit: Greenwich Firefighters Instagram.
Mathew Alessi Named Lead Dispatcher
The Greenwich Police Department promoted Mathew Alessi to lead dispatcher. He has been with the department for eight years as a Public Safety Telecommunicator.
Safely Dispose Prescription Drugs Saturday
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is on October 26, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Town of Greenwich Public Safety Complex, 11 Bruce Place. Residents can safely dispose of prescription drugs during this event. For information on drug prevention, visit Greenwich Together.
Oktoberfest Fundraiser
The Round Hill Volunteer Fire Company (RHVFC) will host its annual Oktoberfest event on Friday, October 25, 2024, at 7:00 PM at the Round Hill Community House in Greenwich, CT. The event aims to raise funds for the firehouse’s renovation and operational needs, with all proceeds supporting the RHVFC. Tickets, available online at www.roundhillfire.org, offer various levels of support, and all donations are tax-deductible.
Greet & Treat Promotes Halloween Safety
The Greenwich Police Department will host its first Greet and Treat Halloween event on October 26 at 11 Bruce Place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees can participate in trick-or-treating and learn about Halloween safety. The event is part of the Greenwich Moms Halloween activities on Greenwich Avenue.
FROM TOWN HALL
Town Seeks Proposals for Historic Redevelopment
Greenwich issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) in July for the redevelopment of the Havemeyer Building at 290 Greenwich Avenue, currently housing the Board of Education, with a submission deadline of November 15. The RFP seeks proposals that maintain the building’s historical integrity while introducing new uses compatible with the surrounding area. The structure, built in 1894, includes multiple floors and has served as the Board of Education’s headquarters since 1948.
Annual Winter Coat Drive
The Greenwich Board of Human Services, in partnership with the Greenwich Department of Human Services Fund, has launched the 2024 Greenwich Coat Drive, accepting winter coat donations through November 1 at various local drop-off locations. Donated coats will be distributed on November 14 for Department of Human Services clients and November 15 for the general public at Greenwich Town Hall. For more information, contact 203-622-3800.
Absentee Ballots Available
Absentee ballots for the November 5th election are available at Greenwich Town Hall. Residents can apply online, print and submit an application, or collect a ballot in person. The Town Clerk’s office is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Remembering October 7th
Last Monday, a gathering outside Town Hall marked one year since the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks in Israel by Hamas, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths. The event included a memorial candle lighting and the raising of the Israeli flag, emphasizing a stance against hatred, terrorism, and anti-Semitism. Hostages, including American citizens, remain in captivity over a year later, with calls continuing for their release and an end to the conflict.
Gift Card Drive Supports Thanksgiving Families
The Greenwich Department of Human Services Fund is collecting $25 gift cards to Acme, ShopRite, and Stop & Shop for families in need this Thanksgiving. Donations are due by November 21 and can be delivered to Town Hall or submitted online. Checks can be mailed to the Department of Human Services at 101 Field Point Road, Greenwich, CT 06830.
AROUND TOWN
Blind Equality Day
Blind American Equality Day, observed on October 15th, highlights the contributions of blind and visually impaired individuals and the importance of equal access and opportunity. It emphasizes removing barriers and providing support, like accessible education and technology. The day also recognizes the achievements of blind Americans in various fields. Photo credit: Alan Gunzburg’s Instagram.
Officials Celebrate Italian Heritage
Candidates and local officials, including Tina Courpas, Tod Laudonia, and Dr. Michael Goldstein, joined State Senator Ryan Fazio and First Selectman Fred Camillo at Greenwich Town Hall. They raised the Italian flag to recognize the Italian-American community and Christopher Columbus. Photo credit: Town of Greenwich Facebook.
Town Worker Injured in Equipment Accident
A town worker was injured around noon on October 9 at 477 Field Point Road when a safety mechanism on heavy equipment was accidentally disengaged. The worker was pinned briefly between a Department of Public Works truck and an excavator’s arm during a backing maneuver in a busy work zone. The worker was taken to the hospital, and the incident is under investigation by the Greenwich Police Department’s Traffic Section.
Old Greenwich Prepares Festive Holiday Lights
Old Greenwich is preparing a holiday lights display called “Lights on Sound Beach,” with approximately 20 trees on Sound Beach Avenue and Arcadia Road decorated starting the week before Thanksgiving. The display, funded by community contributions and estimated to cost $35,000 to $40,000, will continue through February. A community event, “First Light,” is also scheduled for December 7, featuring music and activities on Sound Beach Avenue.
Plans for North Street Bridge Replacement
The North Street bridge replacement in Greenwich will now take about 10 months, starting in March 2025, with a three-month full closure during the summer to expedite the process. The project includes a larger bridge design to accommodate West Brothers Brook and may require additional funding beyond the initial $3 million grant. To address potential downstream flooding due to the larger bridge span, a temporary restriction will be installed, pending future flood mitigation projects.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Community Organization Fair
Greenwich United Way and Greenwich Library hosted the Greenwich Community Organization Fair with representatives from over 40 local non-profits and town departments. The event provided an opportunity for community members to connect with these organizations.
Annual Shellfish Survey
The Greenwich Shellfish Commission finished its annual shellfish survey ahead of the recreational shellfishing season at Greenwich Point Park. The survey gathered data on oyster spat recruitment and other shellfish populations. Photo credit: Greenwich Shellfish Commission Instagram.
FBOG Hosts Local Art Show
The First Bank of Greenwich will host an art show on Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024, at 6 PM, featuring the work of mixed-media artist Tatiana Viola. The event includes refreshments and music by Stamford’s Project Music. This gathering highlights local art and offers an opportunity to support an emerging artist from the Greenwich community.
DAR Launches Constitution Program in Schools
The Horseneck Daughters of the American Revolution collaborated with Greenwich Public Schools to introduce a Constitution-focused pilot program for third graders at four schools in September, marking the 237th anniversary of the Constitution’s signing. The program included lessons on the Constitution’s history, a poster contest, and interviews with school staff. The initiative may be expanded to all Greenwich elementary schools by the 2025-2026 school year, with student projects displayed locally.
Byram Library Hosts “Ladies of Byram” Exhibit
The Friends of the Byram Shubert Library will host a reception on Thursday, October 24, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm, for the exhibit “The Ladies of Byram.” The exhibit is part of the library’s “Share Your Story” program, featuring interviews and portraits of local residents, including Barbara Finn, a longtime hairdresser in Byram. It includes a historical display of hairstyles and salon tools curated by Heidi Hupal.
Food Scrap Program Achieves Milestone
Greenwich’s voluntary food scrap recycling program has collected over 500,000 pounds of organic waste since June 2020, diverting it from landfills to produce compost. The program, run in partnership with local organizations, offers drop-off sites at Holly Hill, Old Greenwich, and Round Hill. This initiative aims to address waste management challenges in Connecticut by reducing landfill reliance and creating compost.
Bruce Museum Showcases Danish Labor Art Exhibit
The Bruce Museum will present “The Art of Work: Painting Labor in Nineteenth-Century Denmark” from November 16, 2024, to June 15, 2025, featuring 28 works from the private collection of Ambassador John L. Loeb, Jr. The exhibition focuses on the Skagen art colony’s depiction of labor in rural Denmark, paralleling the emergence of Impressionism in France in 1874. It explores themes of physical and intellectual labor in Danish art, emphasizing everyday life and work.
Abilis Walk and 5K Supports New Initiatives
The 19th Abilis Walk and 5K Run took place at Tod’s Point, featuring activities like a “Carnival for a Cause” and warm-up sessions. Funds raised will support new initiatives for Abilis, which aids over 800 individuals with developmental disabilities annually. Sam Parks, a participant in the organization’s REACH program, served as this year’s Walk/Run Ambassador.
Green & Tonic Expands Menu and Locations
Green & Tonic is expanding its menu to include options like wild-caught salmon, organic chicken, and pasture-raised eggs alongside its plant-based offerings, starting in late October. The company is also opening two new locations in Greenwich by the end of the year. Measures will be in place to avoid cross-contamination between plant-based and non-plant-based items.
Historical Society Explores Revolutionary War Impact
The Greenwich Historical Society is hosting an exhibition on the Revolutionary War’s impact on the local community, featuring artifacts from its own collection and other sources. Running from October 20, 2024, through March 9, 2025, the exhibition includes guided tours and a hands-on kids’ program. It examines how residents of Greenwich navigated the choices and challenges of the war.
Photo Credit: Greenwich Historical Society
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Greenwich Honors Harbor Master Cappiali
On October 9th, Greenwich honored Harbor Master Paul Cappiali on National Harbor Master Day. Cappiali has served for three years, obtaining advanced training in areas like vessel traffic management and dredging. His additional certifications support the safe and effective management of the town’s harbor. Photo credit: Town of Greenwich Facebook.
Ethel Kennedy Passes at 96, Legacy Endures
Ethel Skakel Kennedy, widow of Robert F. Kennedy, died at 96 from complications related to a stroke, as confirmed by her family. Born in 1928 in Chicago, she grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut, and married Robert in 1950. After his assassination in 1968, Ethel founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights and remained active in various social causes throughout her life.
SCHOOLS
ISD New Interim Assistant
Greenwich Public Schools appointed Ms. Julie Webster as interim assistant principal at the International School at Dundee (ISD), effective immediately. Ms. Webster, who has been with the district since 2006 in various roles, will support Principal Dana Firmender and the school community. She brings experience in speech-language pathology and district evaluation to her new position. Photo credit: International School at Dundee.
CMS Hosts Virtual Forum
The Central Middle School Building Committee will hold a virtual public forum on October 29 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. via Zoom to share project details and timelines. Attendees can ask questions live or submit them in advance through the CMSBC webpage until October 25. The session will be recorded, and construction is planned to start in late summer or early fall 2025.
Poet Carlos Andrés Gómez Inspires GCDS Students
Carlos Andrés Gómez, a Colombian-American poet, speaker, and actor, visited GCDS for Hispanic Heritage Month. He performed spoken word pieces, including “What Latino Looks Like” and “Where Are You Really From?” Gómez encouraged students to embrace their heritage and approach others with curiosity and understanding.
Students Explore Rowing History at Falco Center
Students in Mr. Ciecimirski’s senior elective, “Mind Over Matter: Heroes in Sports,” visited the Falco Rowing Center in Cos Cob. They are studying Daniel James Brown’s *The Boys in the Boat*, which tells the story of the University of Washington’s crew team that won gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The visit included a tour of the Brunswick boathouse and hands-on experience with rowing equipment.
Eagle Hill Students Excel in Sailboat Challenge
Upper School science students at Eagle Hill participated in an engineering challenge to design and build sailboats that could travel a six-foot track using only a fan for propulsion. They went through multiple iterations of design, testing, and refinement. The fastest boat completed the track in 7.5 seconds.
2nd Graders Explore Native American Resourcefulness
Second graders participated in a session with an educator from the Stamford Nature Center, learning how early Native Americans used natural resources for shelter, food, clothing, and medicine. The hands-on lab included authentic artifacts and reproductions, illustrating the relationship between these communities and their environment. The program aimed to enhance students’ understanding of Indigenous cultures and their resource use.
SPORTS
GA Athletes Wear Pink for Awareness
Throughout October, Greenwich Academy athletes are wearing pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. They are focusing on education around early detection and self-examinations, while also creating custom signage in their E&D lab to honor those affected. The athletes are dedicating specific games to raise awareness and support for breast cancer fighters and survivors.
GHS Field Hockey Triumphs with Eight Wins
Greenwich High School’s field hockey team has won eight consecutive games since their September 12th loss to Darien, improving their record to 10-3 overall and 10-2 in the FCIAC. The team has showcased strong defense and offense, outscoring opponents 37-1 during their winning streak, with a notable recent 5-0 victory over Trumbull.
GHS Boys Soccer Unbeaten, Eyes Top Seed
The Greenwich High School boys soccer team remains unbeaten with a 10-0-3 record after recent 4-0 victories against Westhill and Fairfield Warde, positioning them for the top seed in the upcoming FCIAC Tournament. With two regular-season games left, the Cardinals are focused on maintaining their momentum heading into the postseason.
SH Volleyball Gains Momentum with Key Wins
Sacred Heart Greenwich’s 2024 volleyball team, adjusting to a new lineup after key graduations, has shown progress with three wins in its last four matches, including a 3-1 victory over Kent School. Despite a challenging start to the season, the team, led by senior captain Evangelyn Forte and freshman setter Julianna Luzzi, is building momentum and confidence as it competes against tough FAA and NEPSAC opponents.
Brunswick Soccer Rallies with Three Wins
The Brunswick School soccer team has improved to a 4-4-1 record with three consecutive wins, including victories over The Frederick Gunn School, Kent School, and Trinity-Pawling School. Key contributions from players like Theo Perkins, Patrick O’Donohue, and Will Higgs, along with solid goalkeeping, have helped the Bruins reach the .500 mark as they approach the season’s midway point.
GHS Field Hockey Dominates
The Greenwich High School field hockey team extended their winning streak to seven games with an 8-0 victory over Brien McMahon and a 5-0 win against New Canaan, improving their record to 9-3. Stella Thibeault led the scoring with a hat trick against Brien McMahon.
SH Field Hockey Prepares for GA After Split
Sacred Heart Greenwich’s field hockey team split their two recent home games, defeating Loomis Chaffee 2-0 and losing to Hotchkiss 2-0, bringing their season record to 8-2. The loss to Hotchkiss ended the Tigers’ five-game winning streak as they prepare to face Greenwich Academy next.
GA Field Hockey Stays Unbeaten
Greenwich Academy’s field hockey team defeated Rye Country Day School 5-0, scoring four goals from penalty corners, and continued their undefeated season. With strong contributions from senior captains Isa Packard and Lavinia Cartellieri, GA showcased effective teamwork, and is focused on maintaining their unbeaten record heading into their next matchup against Sacred Heart Greenwich.
GHS Volleyball Triumphs
Greenwich High School’s volleyball team achieved a significant victory by sweeping two-time defending champions Darien, 3-0, on October 7, raising their record to 13-1. The win highlighted the Cardinals’ strong offense and defensive play, marking a shift in the rivalry and showcasing their potential as a top contender this season.
FROM HARTFORD
AG Tong Secures Settlement Against Vision Solar
On Friday, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong announced a $5 million judgment against Vision Solar, settling a lawsuit over high-pressure sales tactics and unpermitted work. Vision Solar’s bankruptcy means it lacks the funds to pay the judgment, but the settlement enforces new regulations on contract transparency, permitting, and the use of licensed contractors. Impacted consumers may seek up to $25,000 from the Department of Consumer Protection’s Home Improvement Guaranty Fund if their claims are unresolved following the bankruptcy.
AG Tong Pushes for TikTok Compliance
Attorney General William Tong, along with 22 other attorneys general, has sought a Tennessee court’s enforcement to ensure TikTok’s compliance in a multistate investigation into its impact on youth mental health. The investigation, which began in 2022, examines whether TikTok’s practices violate consumer protection laws, but TikTok has not fully complied with court orders to produce evidence. In addition, Tong is participating in a coordinated legal effort against Meta, accusing the company of designing harmful features for young users.
Gov. Lamont Announces $28M for Broadband Expansion
Governor Ned Lamont and DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes announced $28 million in grants from the ConneCTed Communities Grant Program’s first round to expand broadband in 88 Connecticut towns, including 26 distressed municipalities. The funds, part of the ARPA Capital Project Fund, include $1.8 million for broadband improvements in Greenwich. A second round of $12.8 million is planned, with applications open as of October 1, 2024, and additional funds will be distributed through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program.
ACROSS CT
CT’s First Frost Expected
Connecticut is expected to see its first freezing overnight temperatures this fall, with lows near 32 degrees in some northern counties. Frost has already been recorded in parts of the state, and historical data suggests that consistent freezing temperatures typically begin in November. A weak La Niña could result in a more typical winter season, with average temperatures and snowfall.
Connecticut EMS Awards Announced
The Connecticut EMS Advisory Board announced the 2024 EMS Awards recipients, with the ceremony set for October 24th at Foxwoods Resort Casino. Awards will be given to individuals and organizations for their contributions to EMS, including Greenwich EMS, New Canaan EMS, and various volunteers and professionals. The event is open to the public with no admission fee.
Fisher-Price Swings Recalled Nationwide
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has recalled 2.1 million Fisher-Price Snuga Swings due to suffocation risks if used for sleep or with added bedding. Parents are advised to remove the headrest and body support insert and use the swings only for awake-time activities. The affected models were sold from 2010 to 2024 at major retailers.
