POLICE & FIRE
Greenwich Urges Caution Amid Drought
Greenwich officials are urging residents to avoid outdoor burning, including fire pits, bonfires, and grills, due to extreme fire danger caused by dry conditions. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reports active wildfires in the state and has implemented a statewide burn ban. Residents should follow fire safety precautions and report any forest fires to 911 immediately.
New Officers Join Community Patrol
Officers Scofield, Belmont, and Ruiz have completed the Field Training Program and will now serve in various sectors during their probationary period. They will perform duties throughout the community and interact with residents.
Battle of the Badges 2024
The annual Battle of the Badges blood drive will take place on December 7 from 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. at the Public Safety Complex, 11 Bruce Place, Greenwich. First responders and residents are invited to donate blood to address the nationwide shortage; appointments can be made at [redcrossblood.org](https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time) or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. The event also begins the Greenwich Police Department’s Stuff-A-Cruiser toy drive, accepting new, unwrapped toys through December 7.
DNA Symposium Enhances Forensic Training
The Greenwich Police Department, the Connecticut State Attorney’s Office, the DESPP state lab, and the POST Police Academy co-hosted a DNA symposium this past Saturday. The event provided training for law enforcement and prosecutors across Connecticut.
CCFPP Santa Delivers Joy to Greenwich
The Cos Cob Fire Police Patrol, Inc. will host “Operation Santa 2024,” replacing its annual benefit to raise funds for the all-volunteer organization. On December 14, 15, 21, and 22, Santa and the Grinch will deliver pre-wrapped gifts to children in Greenwich. Families can schedule a delivery by emailing events@ccfpp.org; donations will support the Patrol’s services.
FROM TOWN HALL
DPW Completes Training
Last week, staff from the Department of Public Works completed OSHA 10 training to improve workplace safety and technical skills. The training enhances the department’s operational expertise and adherence to safety standards.
Retail Conversion Approved
The Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved converting the ground floor of 257 Sound Beach Avenue from residential to retail use, with the remainder of the building designated for storage. The property, primarily in the LBR2 zone, will meet adjusted parking requirements and adhere to conditions ensuring storage supports the retail operation. Future residential use on the second floor remains an option under zoning regulations.
Members of the Conservation Commission, Sustainability Committee, and other local advocates toured the Grass Island Wastewater Treatment Plant to learn about its operations and challenges, including aging infrastructure, climate change, technological advancements, and population growth. The Department of Public Works provided insights into the facility’s strategies for addressing these issues. A related video from the Food and Drug Administration is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8HjJyhFjgs or on the Town of Greenwich website.
Greenwich Approves New Speed Limits
The Greenwich Board of Selectmen unanimously approved 25 mph speed limits for Woodland Drive, Will Merry Lane, and Spring House Road, pending state approval. These roads previously lacked enforceable speed limits, prompting a review by the Department of Public Works after resident concerns. Traffic studies supported the limit based on road usage and safety characteristics.
Town Reviews New Rink Proposal
The Planning & Zoning Commission reviewed the proposed replacement of the Dorothy Hamill Rink, which includes building a new 40,000-square-foot facility on Strazza Field and replacing the old rink with a baseball field. Officials defended the plan as necessary and minimal in size, noting a slight increase in green space and strong regional demand for ice time. The commission requested further information on planning details before scheduling a vote.
AROUND TOWN
Cos Cob Park Cleanup This Weekend
A community cleanup will take place at Cos Cob Park on November 23 from 2 to 4 p.m. Volunteers should wear long pants, bring gloves, and can earn community service hours for participating. The event is organized by Greenwich High School student Thomas McKinney and sponsored by Greenwich Green and Clean; questions can be sent to litterfreeocean@gmail.com.
Lights Brighten Holiday Season
Greenwich Community Projects Fund is raising private donations to fund holiday lights for Greenwich Avenue and Cos Cob. This effort supports local businesses and continues a longstanding tradition of seasonal lighting. Donations can be made at https://gwchavenue.org/let-there-be-light-2022/
Statue Proposed for Veterans Plaza Park
At a Board of Selectmen meeting, First Selectman Fred Camillo introduced a proposal for a privately funded bronze statue of George H.W. Bush at Veterans Plaza Park, with an estimated cost of $55,000 to $70,000. The project includes additional enhancements to the plaza, such as lighting and a new water feature, and requires approvals from the Planning and Zoning Commission and Representative Town Meeting. Former state senator L. Scott Frantz pledged to cover the costs, with potential contributions from others.
Celebrating the New Bridge Completion
The Department of Public Works completed the $1.67 million replacement of the Wesskum Wood Road Bridge, originally built in 1950, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Binney Park. The project included safety and accessibility upgrades such as an interior sidewalk, ADA-compliant ramps, and a widened shoulder for cyclists, while maintaining the bridge’s historic design. Construction began in July 2023 and was completed on schedule by July 2024, with funding partly supported by a state grant.
Cos Cob Safety Plan Delayed
The Board of Selectmen postponed a decision on implementing a four-way stop at the intersection of Valley Road, River Road Extension, and Scofield Street to allow more time for notifying local businesses and gathering feedback. The proposed safety measures include adding stop signs, repositioning an existing stop sign for better visibility, and installing warning signs, prompted by a history of accidents in the area. Parking impacts and limited business input were cited as reasons for the delay, with the board likely to revisit the matter on November 26.
Bridge Replacement Plan Moves Forward
The North Street Bridge, built in 1909, will be replaced starting March 2024, with work condensed into a 10-month schedule at a cost of $3.7 million, $700,000 more than originally estimated. The accelerated timeline includes a 12-week full road closure during summer, and most of the cost will be reimbursed through a state grant, except for a $200,000 contractor incentive. The new bridge will address flooding issues with a higher elevation and wider span, while penalties and incentives are built into the contract to ensure timely completion by August 31.
Town Approves Cyclist Injury Settlement
A town committee approved a $1,439,670.65 settlement for cyclist Gary Masouredis, who suffered severe injuries in 2022 after being struck by a town-operated dump truck. The settlement, part of a lawsuit against the town and former employee Arthur Greco, requires additional approvals from other town bodies. The case alleges negligence by Greco, who was cited for a passing violation, while the town has contested liability.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Author Inspires at Library Event
Bestselling children’s author Adam Gidwitz visited Greenwich Library for the Children’s AuthorsLive program, where he discussed the inspiration behind his books and the process of creating stories for young readers. After the event, he signed copies of his works. The program was supported by Diane’s Books.
SELF Fundraiser Raises $300K
The Special Education Legal Fund (S.E.L.F.) hosted a Homecoming-themed fundraiser on November 9 at Arch Street Teen Center, raising over $300,000 to support families navigating special education challenges. The event, attended by more than 250 people, featured the presentation of the Presidential George H.W. Bush Award to Co-Founder Ulrika Drinkall for her advocacy work. Corporate and individual sponsors, along with in-kind donors, contributed to the event’s success.
Holiday Food Drive Supports Families
Greenwich Recreation and Neighbor to Neighbor are holding a holiday food drive from November 18 to December 13 to support local families in need. Donation bins are available at Town Hall, the Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center, the Dorothy Hamill Skating Rink, and the Parks and Recreation Office. Online donations of fresh produce can be made via https://amplify.ampyourgood.com/user/campaigns/4550
Artists Inspire at Flinn Gallery
The Flinn Gallery’s exhibit *Extra Extra* features works by Palma Blank, Stephen Maine, and Doreen McCarthy and runs through January 8. An Artist Talk with the three artists will be held on December 7 at 2 p.m. The gallery is on the second floor of Greenwich Library.
Honorees Celebrated at Annual Dinner
The Greenwich Old Timers Athletic Association hosted its annual Old Timers Dinner on November 21 at the Hilton Stamford Hotel, honoring Hannah Storm, Dan Hicks, Stuart Helgeson, Ali Orrico, and George Genise. Public donations are always accepted, and go to fund scholarships and youth sports programs in town. To donate, visit https://givebutter.com/c/otaag2024
Garden Club Earns Preservation Award
The Riverside Garden Club received the DAR Historic Preservation Award for restoring the colonial medicinal and herb garden at Putnam Cottage. After 20 years of neglect, the club revitalized the site by planting historically accurate herbs and plants. The restored garden is now accessible to visitors at the Israel Putnam House.
Greenwich Lions Support Community Programs
The Greenwich Lions are selling Texas Ruby Red grapefruits for $33 per case at various locations in town, with proceeds supporting local health and human services programs. Funds raised benefit organizations like Neighbor to Neighbor, Meals on Wheels, and Abilis, and provide scholarships and vision care for children and seniors. Direct donations can be sent to the Greenwich Lions Foundation, P.O. Box 130, Old Greenwich, CT 06870.
Hockey Trophies Shine at Bruce
The Bruce Museum will display eight Hockey Hall of Fame trophies, including the Stanley Cup (available only on December 6), from December 6–8, 2024, in its auditorium. Admission is free for visitors under 18 and included with museum tickets for others. Special events, including presentations and family activities, will take place throughout that weekend.
Youth Mental Health Program Launched
A 2021 review found a significant rise in psychological and emotional distress among youth, consistent with national trends showing increased mental health challenges and a 62% rise in the suicide rate for ages 10 to 24 from 2007 to 2021. In response, Greenwich Hospital and community partners launched the Adolescent Behavioral Health Outpatient Program, which offers group-based therapy and specialized treatments for teens aged 13 to 17 experiencing anxiety and depression. Funded by $5.1 million in donations, the program aims to address unmet mental health needs in the community.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
DPW Commissioner Announces Retirement
Amy Siebert, Commissioner of the Department of Public Works, will retire effective January 1, 2024. The Town posted the Commissioner position on November 13, offering a salary range of $188,955 to $225,000. Siebert has served in various roles since joining the Town in 2004, including Sewer Division Manager and Deputy Commissioner, and holds advanced degrees in environmental engineering and public affairs.
Greenwich Symphony Concertmaster Named
The Greenwich Symphony Orchestra has appointed violinist Sami Merdinian as its new concertmaster for the 2024-25 season. Merdinian, an accomplished soloist and member of the string quintet Sybarite5, will lead the orchestra’s string section and perform key solo passages. His debut performance will take place this weekend at the Performing Arts Center.
Trump Selects McMahon for Education
President-elect Donald Trump announced Linda McMahon as his nominee for Secretary of Education on Tuesday via Truth Social. McMahon, 76, previously served as head of the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term and has experience on Connecticut’s State Board of Education. She and Howard Lutnick, Trump’s nominee for Commerce Secretary, are co-chairs of his transition team.
SCHOOLS
GHS Community Unites for Holiday Drive
Greenwich High School’s 14th annual Roots & Shoots Food Drive runs through November 22 to collect food and funds for over 100 local families. Donations of unopened, unexpired items can be dropped off at GHS House collection boxes or made online, by check, or in person at the Student Activities office. Needed items include canned goods, pasta, grains, protein sources, and other holiday staples.
Firefighters Teach SHG Students
Sacred Heart Greenwich Lower School students participated in a fire safety lesson led by local firefighters. The program included a fire truck tour, a safety demonstration, and practice using a fire hose on a simulated fire.
CMS Celebrates Farewell
Central Middle School held a farewell event for its fields at 9 Indian Rock Lane before construction begins on a new building, which will replace the aging structure. Organized by PTA leaders and staff, activities included games, hot chocolate, and a dodgeball match between students and staff.
Hamilton Ave Students Support St. Jude
Hamilton Avenue students will participate in the St. Jude Math-A-Thon from November 11 to December 13, solving math problems to raise funds for children battling cancer. The event, open to students in kindergarten through fifth grade, uses Common Core-aligned materials provided by St. Jude and Scholastic to combine learning with charitable giving. Donations support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, helping cover treatment, housing, travel, and food costs for families.
Tiger Hacks Competition Doubles Turnout
Greenwich Country Day School hosted its second annual computer science competition, Tiger Hacks, attracting 70 students from over 23 schools. Participants worked to solve 10 programming challenges within a three-hour time limit. Organized by seniors Imran Iftikar, Abraham Milgram, and Harrison Servedio, the event nearly doubled in size from 2023.
SPORTS
GHS Football Dominates Senior Day
Greenwich High School football dominated Senior Day with a 42-0 win over Westhill, improving to 8-1. Senior standouts included Hector Lopez with 103 rushing yards and two touchdowns, and M.J. D’Angelo, who threw for 87 yards and a touchdown.
Brunswick Falls In Championship Battle
Choate Rosemary Hall defeated Brunswick 27-9 in the NEPSAC Leon Modeste Bowl, securing a perfect 9-0 season. Despite standout efforts from seniors like Ethan Long and Oliver Reynolds, Brunswick ended its season at 8-2 after a hard-fought game.
Brunswick Athletes Sign National Letters
Four Brunswick School seniors signed National Letters of Intent on November 13 to compete in Division I athletics: Patrick Hiebert (lacrosse, Johns Hopkins), Patrick O’Donohue (soccer, Colgate), Aidan Diaz-Matos (lacrosse, Notre Dame), and Henry Raine (squash, Virginia). The ceremony celebrated their athletic achievements and commitments to continue their sports at the collegiate level.
GHS Girls Volleyball’s Season Of Triumph
Greenwich High School’s girls volleyball team ended its successful 2024 season with a 23-3 record after a 3-2 semifinal loss to rival Darien in the CIAC Class LL Tournament. Highlights included a 14-match winning streak, advancing to the FCIAC final, and standout performances from seniors like Sarah Bernann and rising stars like sophomore Kayah Armstrong.
GHS Boys Soccer Wins FCIAC Title
Greenwich High School boys soccer concluded a remarkable 18-1-3 season with an FCIAC championship and a trip to the CIAC Class LL semifinals, where they fell 4-1 to Farmington despite a competitive performance. The Cardinals scored 68 goals, allowed only 17, and recorded 12 shutouts in one of the program’s most successful seasons.
GA Wins Overtime Thriller
Greenwich Academy edged Sacred Heart Greenwich 1-0 in double overtime during the NEPSAC Class A quarterfinals on November 13, with senior captain Isa Packard scoring the game-winning goal. The victory advanced GA to the semifinals, while Sacred Heart concluded a standout 16-3 season, including FAA regular-season and tournament championships.
GHS Girls Swimming Shatters Points Record
Greenwich High School dominated the CIAC Class LL Girls Swimming Championships, winning eight events and setting a record 1,012 team points to claim their 31st title. Standout performances from athletes like junior Wesley Wales and senior Sena Bozkurt propelled the Cardinals, who now head to the State Open Championships.
Greenwich High School’s varsity cheerleaders recently held its annual Fashion Show, celebrated Senior Day
Whether it’s at Cardinal Stadium or on the road, the Greenwich High School varsity cheerleading team is always there to support the Greenwich varsity football team at its games and the Nov. 16 game between the Cardinals and Westhill was extra special for the cheerleaders and football players.
Like the football team, the varsity cheerleading team celebrated Senior Day, making the game especially significant to four senior cheerleaders: Laura Colombo, Sierra Erensen, Siera Rollins and Jane Trager.
Four Brunswick School student-athletes sign National Letters of Intent
Four Brunswick School seniors, who excel in their respective sports, signed National Letters of Intent at a special signing ceremony held at Brunswick School on Nov. 13. Patrick Hiebert signed a National Letter of Intent to attend Johns Hopkins University, where he will play Division I lacrosse. Patrick O’Donohue signed a National Letter of Intent and will continue his soccer career at the Division I level at Colgate University. Aidan Diaz-Matos, who signed a NLI, is headed to the University of Notre Dame, where he will play lacrosse. Henry Raine will take his squash skills to the collegiate level. He signed a NLI to attend the University of Virginia.
Greenwich High School holds ceremony honoring college-bound athletes
Pictured from left to right: Greenwich High School senior student-athletes gathered for a ceremony, which honored their commitment to play athletics at the collegiate level. From left to right: Sofie Wang, Aubrey Roth, Henry Cullen, Graydon Raabe, Cooper Sernick, Scarlett Hopson, Sophia Long, Saira Mitchell, Margaux DeFelice, Liana Hoffman, Kate Donnellan, Stella Thibeault, Michael Brescia and Lauren Huang.
The 14 college-bound athletes included in alphabetical order: Michael Brescia, who will play Division I lacrosse at Loyola Maryland, Henry Cullen, who will continue his crew career at Yale University, Margaux DeFelice, Georgetown University crew, Kate Donnellan, who will play Division I lacrosse at Duke University, Liana Hoffman, UCLA crew, Scarlett Hopson, University of Tennessee crew, Lauren Huang, Brown University rugby, Sophia Long, St. Mary’s College of California, Saira Mitchell, University of California Berkley crew, Graydon Raabe, Cornell University crew, Aubrey Roth, lacrosse William and Mary, Cooper Sernick, Hobart and William Smith crew, Stella Thibeault, Cornell University field hockey and Sofie Wang, Harvard University, water polo.
FROM HARTFORD
Connecticut Program Aids Winter Heating
The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program provides heating cost support between $180 and $530, with payments typically made directly to utility companies or fuel suppliers. Households using deliverable fuels such as oil or propane may qualify for additional free tank fills. Application details are available online, or current Department of Human Services clients can contact their case managers.
CT Rail Improvements Gain Funding
Connecticut will receive $291 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund five rail improvement projects, including $6.4 million for a study on replacing the 120-year-old Cos Cob Bridge in Greenwich. The grants, matched by state and Amtrak contributions, will also support upgrades to the New Haven Line, Hartford Line, and planning for the replacement of the Connecticut River Bridge and Hartford train station. These investments aim to modernize the state’s rail infrastructure and enhance passenger service.
OUR NEIGHBORS
New Leaders Strengthen P2P Mission
Person to Person (P2P), a nonprofit serving Fairfield County, has added Isis-Rae Goulbourne and Jeffrey Houle to its Board of Directors. Goulbourne, an entrepreneur and community leader, and Houle, a real estate and governance attorney, bring expertise to support P2P’s programs aiding 28,000 residents annually. P2P offers food and clothing assistance, financial counseling, and educational support to promote economic stability.
