POLICE & FIRE
Police Address Burglary Surge
Greenwich police report an increase in burglaries, with 11 incidents since September, linked to a group called the “South American Theft Group.” The group is known for targeting high-value homes, often using surveillance and tools to access properties, particularly in the Midcountry area. Police are collaborating with regional departments to address the organized crime pattern.
Fire Near Boatyard Contained
On November 8, emergency responders in Greenwich quickly extinguished a small fire near a boatyard and lumberyard on South Water Street. Witness reports indicated that two individuals had set off fireworks before fleeing the scene. Amid statewide drought conditions, Connecticut authorities continue to enforce a burn ban, prohibiting open flames across public lands.
Police Honor Lions Club
Chief Heavey and other Greenwich Police officials attended the Lions Club Centennial celebration on November 7, acknowledging the club’s commitment to service. The Lions Club unites members to support communities locally and globally. The Greenwich Police Department values its partnership with the Lions Club and their efforts in Greenwich. Photo credit: Greenwich Police Department Instagram.
GPD Joins Silver Shield Walk
Chief Heavey and Greenwich Police officers participated in the Silver Shield Foundation’s Greenwich Walk at Tod’s Point on November 9. The Foundation offers educational support to families of fallen police officers and firefighters. The walk aimed to increase awareness of this mission. Photo credit: Greenwich Police Department Instagram.
Brush Fire Destroys Police Vehicle
On Wednesday, November 13, no one was injured, but one vehicle was destroyed by a brush fire while an officer was away from the vehicle treating a patient. Residents are reminded that the Red Flag Warning means high fire risk, and they should avoid lighting fires of any kind if possible. The Greenwich Fire Department quickly extinguished the fire before it spread.
Busy Weekend for Local 1042
Last weekend, members of Local 1042 firefighters responded to a structure fire, rescuing two dogs and containing the fire to its origin. They later attended a vehicle rollover where the car was wedged between a pole, tree, and wall. Throughout the weekend, Local 1042 managed multiple calls and non-emergency tasks, with Stamford Fire Rescue providing backup support. Photo credit: IAFF Local 1042 Instagram.
Greenwich Police Launch Community Food Drive
The Greenwich Police Department is partnering with Neighbor to Neighbor this November to run “fill a cruiser” food drives at local grocery stores, aiming to collect 1,000 pounds of food by November 30. Neighbor to Neighbor serves 500 Greenwich families weekly, providing food, clothing, and other essentials. Residents can also contribute through online purchases that are delivered directly to the nonprofit.
Greenwich EMS honored for excellence
Greenwich Emergency Medical Service (GEMS) has consistently exceeded national cardiac save rates and was recently awarded Career EMS Agency of the Year by the Connecticut EMS Awards. The organization, a nonprofit that receives partial town funding, relies on public support for equipment and operational needs.
FROM TOWN HALL
Registrars Seek Voter Feedback Improvements
The Registrars of Voters are seeking feedback on early voting at Town Hall and on Election Day polling locations. Two anonymous surveys are available: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TYG9MC7 for early voting and https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YMJYNBL for local polling sites.
GDHS Seeks Holiday Donations
The Greenwich Department of Human Services Fund seeks community donations to provide grocery cards, clothing, and toys for local families in need this holiday season. Donations can be made online, through the GDHS Fund’s Amazon Wish List, or by check. For information on the Adopt a Family program, contact Community Programs Coordinator Jamie Annunziato at jamie.annunziato@greenwichct.gov or 203-622-3715.
Diwali Celebration
Greenwich held its first Diwali celebration at Town Hall last Thursday, featuring music, food, and prayer. Organized by Rajeev Pahuja with support from local volunteers, the event marked the beginning of an annual tradition for the town’s Indian community.
Photo Credit: First Selectman Camillo’s Community Connections
AROUND TOWN
DPW Leaf Collection Begins
Greenwich DPW’s 2024 Leaf Collection Program began November 12th, with crews collecting leaves across town. Residents can track the collections at https://www.greenwichct.gov/257/Leaf-Collection.
Greenwich Boosts Water Safety Testing
Aquarion Water Company recently alerted certain Greenwich residents about potential lead in service lines, leading to increased water testing requests at the Greenwich Department of Health. The Health Department lab, certified by the state, conducts lead testing for $51, with a $20 deposit for sample kits. Due to demand, sample bottles may not be immediately available.
Community Rallies for Toys for Tots
The Toys for Tots collection is underway, with donation boxes in Town Hall’s lobby until December 20. New, unwrapped toys for all ages are accepted, with a particular need for items for boys aged 10 to 14. Additional drop-off locations include the Greenwich Senior Center, Cos Cob and Riverside post offices, the Mercedes dealership, and several local schools.
Greenwich Honors Veterans with Ceremony
Greenwich held a Veterans Day ceremony at the World War I monument, beginning with a parade down Greenwich Avenue and attended by over 100 people. Key speakers, including Commander Peter LeBeau and Air Force veteran Lucian Niemeyer, spoke about the importance of public service and honoring veterans. Plans were also announced to enhance Veterans Plaza Park with new lighting, a water feature, and a statue of George H.W. Bush.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Winter Clothing Drive
The Outreach Winter Clothing Drive at Christ Church is accepting new or gently used winter clothing for all ages through November 22. Donations can be placed in bins outside the Parish Office. Volunteers are needed on November 23rd to help sort items; those interested can email outreach@christchurchgreenwich.org to sign up.
Library Welcomes Mariano
Greenwich Library’s first Innovator-in-Residence, Vladimir Mariano, will work in the Innovation Lab on Fridays, creating kinetic artworks and sharing expertise in robotics and 3D design. Mariano, founder of CT Robotics Academy and Desktop Makes, has extensive experience in maker education. He also regularly leads workshops on electronics and programming at area libraries.
Tree Conservancy Hosts Foliage Walk
The Greenwich Tree Conservancy held its Fall Foliage Tree Walk on November 7, led by Arboretum Curator Lisa Beebe and Dan Brubaker from the Greenwich Land Trust.
Greenwich Hosts WWI & WWII Stories
The Greenwich Historical Society and the Greenwich Library’s Oral History Project will present personal stories of local residents’ experiences during World Wars I and II on November 20. A free screening of the WWII documentary “Rohna Classified” will follow on November 26, recounting the 1943 attack on the HMT Rohna and its high casualty toll. Registration is required for both events via the Historical Society’s website.
Turkey Trot Registration Open
Registration is open for the Greenwich Alliance for Education’s 14 annual Turkey Trot, featuring a 5K race and a 1-mile fun run on Saturday, November 30, 2024. The event begins at the Arch Street Teen Center and raises funds for Greenwich Public School programs. Participants can register online, with fees increasing closer to race day, and awards will be given for top finishers and fundraisers.
First Congregational Hosts Annual Tree Sale
The First Congregational Church of Greenwich will hold its 58th annual Christmas tree and wreath sale on the front lawn at 108 Sound Beach Avenue, starting Nov. 30. Proceeds will benefit nine local charities supporting families and children. The sale runs on Nov. 30, Dec. 1, Dec. 7, and Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Old Greenwich Deli Welcomes Back Community
Diego Proano has reopened Old Greenwich Deli at 1345 East Putnam Ave., close to his previous location. After a stint in Stamford following his earlier deli’s closure, he returned to serve Italian and Latin American-inspired offerings and provide catering. The deli has quickly attracted customers who missed Proano’s familiar sandwiches.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Dr. Oh Leads Cancer Care Expansion
Dr. William K. Oh has been appointed as medical director at Smilow Cancer Hospital at Greenwich Hospital and director of precision medicine for Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital. He will lead oncology services for Smilow’s lower Fairfield and Westchester regions and develop integrated, multidisciplinary cancer care. Oh also aims to expand precision medicine through advanced molecular and genetic testing for cancer patients.
SCHOOLS
“Joyful Harmonies” Holiday Choir Event
The Greenwich Public Schools Honor Choir will host “Joyful Harmonies of the Holidays” on December 6 at 7:00 p.m. at the Greenwich High School Performing Arts Center, featuring performances by students in grades 5–8, the GHS Madrigals and Witchmen, and guest group Backtrack Vocals. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with a $10 entry fee. Proceeds will benefit the Honor Choir program.
Julian Curtiss Celebrates United Nations Day
Recently, Julian Curtiss School marked its 33rd annual United Nations Day with an assembly and Parade of Nations, representing 60 countries. Students wore traditional attire and carried flags of their heritage. Principal Eduardo Calderón emphasized unity, empathy, and learning about different cultures.
Schools Honor Difference Makers
Greenwich Public Schools awarded 37 employees the first “Difference Maker” honor for significant contributions inside and outside of school. Selected by peers and student families, these employees were recognized for supporting students’ development. The award is open to GPS employees, with nominations available online at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScQljTT_0mtnSoI8iNAmC0x32Z3EB76pz13ZigjTXPnm4FORg/viewform.
GA Students Honor Veterans
Greenwich Academy Middle School students wrote letters and gathered treats for U.S. military veterans and service members in honor of Veterans Day. Photo credit: Greenwich Academy Instagram.
Eastern MS “Gittens” Gator Walk
Recently, Eastern Middle School hosted its 11th Annual “Gittens” Gator Walk, with a theme of “Lights, Camera, Action.” Students and teachers designed themed T-shirts and decorations as part of a school spirit competition. This fundraiser supports student programs.
Havemeyer Hosts Annual Pumpkin Contest
Havemeyer Building staff held their third annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest at the board of education, showcasing creative entries from employees. Staff decorated pumpkins provided by the office, raising the creative bar.
National Signing Day at GA
On November 13th, Greenwich Academy marked National Signing Day by honoring 15 senior athletes who will compete at Division I colleges and universities. Photo credit: Greenwich Academy Instagram.
GCDS Alumn Shares Journey
Greenwich Country Day School alumn Senen Ubiña presented to students on Veterans Day, sharing his experiences in the U.S. Naval Academy and Marine Corps. He discussed how GCDS prepared him for challenges and teamwork and offered advice on the value of close friendships. Photo credit: Greenwich Country Day School Facebook.
SHG Students Explore Cryptography
Upper School students at Sacred Heart Greenwich learned cryptography basics in the Makerspace by building and using cipher wheels. They assembled two alphabet-labeled cardboard discs to create cipher keys, aligning letters to encode and decode messages. This project introduced students to simple encryption through letter shifts. Photo credit: Sacred Heart Greenwich Facebook.
Western Middle Hosts “Western Day”
Recently, Western Middle School’s “Western Day” promoted school norms and AVID values through team-based activities. Students competed across various stations, working with peers from their own and other grades. Activities included mural projects, challenges, and team-building exercises.
Assistant Principal Mrs. Simonelli Returns
Recently, Hamilton Avenue School held a Spirit Assembly to welcome Assistant Principal Mrs. Simonelli back from maternity leave. During her absence, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ann Carabillo supported the school.
SHG Fourth Graders Visit Wolf Conservation
Recently, Sacred Heart Greenwich fourth-grade students visited the Wolf Conservation Center to learn about the role of predators as part of their ecosystem studies in Science class. They observed two rare North American wolves. Photo credit: Sacred Heart Greenwich Facebook.
Sacred Heart Honors Veterans Day
Sacred Heart Greenwich students marked Veterans Day by sending letters to veterans, wearing red poppies, and attending a chapel service honoring service members. They watched a video from alumn Lieutenant Junior Grade Christiane McCabe, who described her work as a U.S. Navy officer. Photo credit: Sacred Heart Greenwich Facebook.
GHS Students Excel
Three Greenwich High School students were recognized in the 2024 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge. At the recent Washington, D.C. ceremony, Tyler Malkin won the $10,000 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Award for his iodine deficiency test. Mikah Kaalund earned first place in Science, winning $3,500 and an iPad for her air filtration project. Mackensey Wilson received second place in Science, with a $2,500 prize and an iPad, for her study on preservatives in dog food.
Zara Haque Receives Award
Greenwich High School senior Zara Haque received the Connecticut Youth Services Association’s Youth Leadership Award for her community contributions. Her nomination highlighted her work with STEM initiatives and expanding community partnerships. Haque also received the YMCA’s Gender & Racial Equity Scholarship Award and the Junior League’s Community Service Award in 2024.
Riverside School Honors Local Veterans
On November 11, 2024, Riverside School held its annual Veterans Day ceremony to honor local veterans. The event included remarks from Principal Jason Martín, a flag-raising by Greenwich Police Chief Jim Heavey, and a wreath-laying accompanied by “Taps.” Students presented flowers to veteran family members, and the Riverside School Chorus performed for the attendees, which included First Selectman Fred Camillo, veterans, students, parents, and staff.
SPORTS
Greenwich Athletes Commit to Colleges
On Wednesday, fourteen Greenwich High School athletes signed letters of intent to compete in college sports. Michael Brescia will play lacrosse at Loyola University Maryland; Henry Cullen, crew at Yale University; Margaux DeFelice, crew at Georgetown University; Kate Donnellan, field hockey at Duke University; Liana Hoffman, crew at UCLA; Scarlett Hopson, crew at the University of Tennessee; Lauren Huang, rugby at Brown University; Sophia Long, crew at St. Mary’s College of California; Saira Mitchell, crew at UC Berkeley; Graydon Raabe, crew at Cornell University; Aubrey Roth, lacrosse at William & Mary; Cooper Sernick, crew at Hobart and William Smith Colleges; Stella Thibeault, field hockey at Cornell University; and Sophia Wang, water polo at Harvard University.
GCDS Boys Soccer Wins Championship
The Greenwich Country Day School boys varsity soccer team won the FAA Championship on November 8, defeating Greens Farms Academy 2-1 after a scoreless first half. Dylan Ever scored on a penalty kick, followed by an equalizing penalty from Greens Farms Academy. Devin Kellan’s late goal secured the victory, concluding an undefeated season for GCDS.
GHS Girls Volleyball Advances to Semifinals
Greenwich High School’s varsity girls volleyball team advanced to the CIAC Class LL semifinals after a 3-0 victory over Fairfield Ludlowe, marking their 23rd win of the season. They now face Darien, their FCIAC tournament rivals, with both teams tied at one win each this season.
GHS Boys Soccer Advances to Semifinals
Greenwich High School’s boys soccer team overcame a 1-0 halftime deficit to defeat Norwalk 4-1 in the CIAC Class LL quarterfinals, advancing to the semifinals with a four-goal second half. Junior Francisco Luzuriaga, senior Matthew Maloney, senior Santiago Lattuada, and junior Manny Bonilla each scored to secure the Cardinals’ spot in the Final Four.
GHS Football Shuts Out Ridgefield
Greenwich High School football secured a decisive 38-0 victory over Ridgefield, scoring 21 points in the first quarter and excelling on both offense and defense. Senior running back Hector Lopez led with three touchdowns, while the team’s defense held Ridgefield scoreless, lifting Greenwich to a 7-1 record.
Sacred Heart Clinches FAA Championship
Sacred Heart Greenwich defeated Greenwich Academy 1-0 in the FAA Tournament final, securing both the regular season and tournament titles for the first time since 2021. Freshman Kingsley Ely’s third-quarter goal and a strong defensive effort helped the Tigers achieve their season-long goal on their home field.
GHS Girls Volleyball Sweeps NFA in Tournament
Greenwich High School’s volleyball team swept Norwich Free Academy 3-0 in the CIAC Class LL Tournament’s Round of 16, showcasing their season-long dominance. Led by standout performances from captains Sarah Bernaan and Alina Sarkissian, the Cardinals advanced with a 22-2 record, preparing to face Fairfield Ludlowe in the quarterfinals.
GCDS Volleyball Reaches FAA Finals
Greenwich Country Day School’s volleyball team made history by advancing to the FAA Tournament finals for the first time, defeating Sacred Heart Greenwich 3-0 in the semifinals. The Tigers will face top-seeded King School in the championship match, hoping to cap off their remarkable season with a title.
Ettelson’s Goal Sends GA Forward
Tian Ettelson’s late goal secured a dramatic 1-0 win for Greenwich Academy over Sacred Heart Greenwich in the FAA quarterfinals, sending the Gators to the semifinals. Both teams showcased strong defenses in the tightly contested match, but Ettelson’s shot in the 76th minute proved decisive, ending Sacred Heart’s season and title defense.
SH triumphs over GA
Sacred Heart Greenwich defeated Greenwich Academy 3-2 in a hard-fought FAA Tournament quarterfinal match, coming from behind to secure a spot in the semifinals. Evangelyn Forte and Julianna Luzzi led Sacred Heart with strong all-around performances, overcoming setbacks from an earlier season loss to their rivals.
LOCAL POLITICS
Greenwich Election Complaints Dismissed Unanimously
The State Election Enforcement Commission dismissed three complaints on November 6 alleging illegal coordination in Greenwich during last year’s municipal elections, citing insufficient evidence. The complaints, filed by Roger Rosendahl and Beth MacGillivray, claimed unregistered political activity among local groups and figures, but investigators found no basis for PAC registration requirements. SEEC closed the cases unanimously without discussion.
FROM HARTFORD
Drought Across CT
Governor Ned Lamont issued a Stage 2 Drought Advisory for all of Connecticut, citing low rainfall and fire risk. Residents and businesses are encouraged to voluntarily reduce water usage by turning off outdoor irrigation, fixing leaks, and following local conservation guidelines. Private well users and those relying on localized water sources should monitor conditions closely.
