POLICE & FIRE
DETECTIVE RETIRES AFTER TWO DECADES
Detective Krystie Rondini has retired from the Greenwich Police Department after 20 years of service. She has completed her tenure with the department and is no longer serving the town. Her retirement marks the end of her career in law enforcement.
K-9 ARROW GETS RECOGNITION CARD
K-9 Arrow of the Greenwich Police Department has received his own baseball card, which includes details about his birthplace and his journey to joining the department’s K-9 unit. The card is available for distribution from Master Police Officer Franco and K-9 Arrow. Community members can request a card when they see them.
OFFICER REMEMBERED FOR SERVICE
Retired Greenwich Police Officer Joh n Bambino, 83, passed away on December 27, 2024. He served with the department for 21 years, from 1965 to 1986, and had previously served in the U.S. Air Force from 1961 to 1965. A memorial mass will be held on January 14, 2025, at Saint Catherine’sSaint Agnes Church in Riverside, Connecticut.
FROM TOWN HALL
JIM MICHEL BEGINS LEADERSHIP ROLE
Jim Michel began his role as Commissioner of Public Works on January 1st. With years of experience in the department, he will oversee infrastructure and public works projects in Greenwich.
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB LEASE EXTENDED
The Planning & Zoning commission approved a second lease extension for the Boys & Girls Club to continue using the building at 1 Horseneck Lane until May 31, 2025. The building, originally intended for temporary use, has hosted various organizations over the years, including the Fire Department and the Byram Volunteer Fire Department. A demolition plan for the building is included in the town’s capital improvement plan, with removal scheduled for July.
P&Z WARNS OF PHISHING EMAILS
The Planning and Zoning Department issued a warning about fraudulent phishing emails resembling official Town communications, which may include fake invoices or payment requests. These emails are not legitimate, and official Town emails end in @greenwichct.gov. Residents are advised to verify suspicious emails by contacting the department directly and not to respond or click on links.
RADON TESTING DISCOUNTS
January is designated Radon Action Month, and Greenwich is offering discounted radon testing for both air and well water through February. Testing kits are available at the Greenwich Health Department, with reduced fees for air testing ($46) and well water testing ($52). Radon is a radioactive gas linked to lung cancer, and the testing program aims to help residents identify potential hazards in their homes.
AROUND TOWN
TOWN CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING
The town’s Parks & Trees Division is recycling Christmas trees by chipping them for mulch or compost, with some chips used in local parks. Residents can also use trees for wildlife shelter, erosion control, or flower bed protection.
HOLLY HILL OFFERS YEAR-ROUND RECYCLING
Holiday lights and electronics can be recycled year-round at Holly Hill. Drop-offs are located next to the yard waste area. Hours: Monday–Friday, 7am–2:30 pm; Saturday, 7am–12 pm.
FIRST NEWBORN OF THE YEAR
At 12:30 am on Wednesday, Greenwich Hospital welcomed its first newborn of 2025: Lucca Pulla. Born to Jessenia Illisaca and Alex Pulla of Stamford, the baby boy weighed 7 pounds, 13.9 ounces. This marks the couple’s second child.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
COMMUNITY EXCEEDS FOOD DRIVE GOAL
Greenwich Parks & Recreation, along with Santa and his helpers, delivered 604 pounds of fresh produce to Neighbor to Neighbor as part of the holiday food drive. The original goal was 500 pounds, which was exceeded. The donations were made possible by the community’s contributions.
THOMAS MCKINNEY LEADS WINTER CLEANUP
Thomas McKinney Leads Winter CleanupOn January 4th, Thomas McKinney led a community cleanup in Bruce Park. A Greenwich High School student and Litter Free Ocean ambassador he has organized cleanups in partnership with Greenwich Green & Clean for several years. Volunteers play a key role in supporting these efforts.
RIVERSIDE PARISH RESUMES WEEKLY DONATIONS
The Parish of St. Catherine of Siena and St. Agnes in Riverside will resume weekly food drives for Neighbor to Neighbor starting January 7, 2025, from 9 to 11 am Donations of non-perishable food, personal care items, household cleaning supplies, and new winter accessories are requested. Items can be dropped off at the parking area opposite the rectory at 13 Riverside Avenue or in the church vestibule during Mass.
COMMUNITY INPUT SHAPES HEALTH SERVICES
Greenwich Hospital is conducting the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment to gather feedback from residents on local healthcare needs. The survey is available in English and Spanish and takes five minutes to complete. Participants can choose their top five priorities from a list of 25 options. The survey can be accessed here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GreaterGreenwichSurvey
NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR EXPANDS HOURS
Neighbor to Neighbor, the only food pantry in Greenwich, has extended its hours starting January 6, 2025, now operating Monday to Friday from 8 am to 1 pm, with additional Wednesday and Thursday afternoon hours. The change comes in response to an 18% increase in families served in 2024, with an average of 795 families per month. The pantry distributed over 300,000 pounds of fresh produce in 2024 and will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025.
GREENWICH HOSPITAL UPDATES CANCER CENTER
Greenwich Hospital has submitted a new proposal to the Planning & Zoning Commission for a Smilow Cancer Center within existing hospital buildings, including the Watson and Cohen Pavilions. The plan includes repurposing part of the medical office building at 3 Perryridge Road and converting 38 Lake Avenue into administrative offices for human resources. No building expansion is proposed, with the focus on renovations and landscaping.
GENEROUS DONATION SUPPORTS NONPROFITS
On December 13, Pathways, Inc. and River House Adult Day Center announced a $1 million donation from an anonymous benefactor at a community event. The donation will support both organizations, which provide services to vulnerable populations in Greenwich and Stamford. River House offers care to aging adults, while Pathways supports adults with mental health challenges.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
O’KANE STEPS DOWN
Marcia O’Kane is stepping down as president and CEO of the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce after more than 13 years in the role. During her tenure, she led over 300 events, attracted new members, and supported local businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chamber has not yet announced her successor.
SCHOOLS
BETH YEAGER INSPIRES SACRED HEART
Beth Yeager ‘21 returned to Sacred Heart Greenwich to share her journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics. She discussed how the school’s academics, athletics, and faith-based community shaped her growth as both a student and an athlete.
GPS ANNOUNCES DIFFERENCE MAKERS
Greenwich Public Schools announced 54 recipients of the December “Difference Maker” awards, recognizing staff for their exceptional contributions. Honorees include Lucy Arecco, Chantel Carey, Patricia Chan, Keith Contorno, Piera Cronin, Kara Peters, Eleanor Ritch, Lisa Scarogni, and Mary Beth Smith from Greenwich High School; Dr. Garfield Charles from Windrose; Colleen Alfano and John Forlenzo from Central Middle School; Kevin Crawford, Michelle Friedman, and Julie Wang from Eastern Middle School; and Kimberly Matarese and Amber Pietrafeso from Western Middle School. From Cos Cob School, honorees are Stephen Babyak, Victoria Bee, Kristy Bennett, Lauren Bird, Laurie Brehm, Kelly Clarke, Philip D’Amato, Meagan DeBona, Michael Fina, and Betsy Sahr; from Glenville School, Andrea Casson, Carolyn Kalinski, and Tracey Zeranski; from Hamilton Avenue School, Dr. Daniel Hoppe, Emily Khoshaboo, and Angelina Lucas; from the International School at Dundee, Lindsey Babyak, Cheryl Clark, Marlene Fernandez, Rosanna Sangermano, and Alison Tepper; and from Julian Curtiss School, Ariel Wilshaw. Additional honorees include Colette Kraemer from New Lebanon School; Megan Collins from North Mianus School; Jessica Jagde from North Street School; Suzanne Gold and Sandra Zuccarello from Old Greenwich School; Lea Attanasio, Gail Griffin, Diana Luzzi, and Kimberly Rich-Zeale from Parkway School; Madelyn Hand from Riverside School; and from Central Office, Danielle Commisso, Karen Martin, Eugene Matejek, Kirk Mertz, and Allison Pugni. Recipients are recognized for their positive impact on students and the school community.
SPORTS
GYM REPAIRS COMPLETED AHEAD SCHEDULE
The gym floor at Greenwich High School has been fully repaired following a recent leak. The repairs were completed ahead of schedule, and the gym will host its first home basketball games on January 8. The girls’ teams will play on January 10.
GHS HOCKEY TEAM SHOWS PROMISE
Greenwich High School’s boys hockey team is off to a solid start with a 2-2-1 record, showing strong performances despite narrow losses to New Canaan and Darien. The team has been bolstered by key wins against Northwest Catholic and Woodstock Academy, along with standout play from junior forward Teddy Johnson and senior goalie Luka Priatka.
BRUINS DOMINATE UPPER CANADA COLLEGE
Mason St. Louis and Joe Salandra powered Brunswick School to a 6-2 victory over Upper Canada College on Jan. 4, combining for five goals and four assists. The Bruins improved to 13-0-2 with the win, led by St. Louis’ hat trick and Salandra’s two goals and three assists.
GHS GIRLS BASKETBALL STAYS UNDEFEATED
Greenwich High School’s girls basketball team extended their perfect season to 6-0 with road victories over Fairfield Ludlowe (43-37) and Shepaug Valley (47-20). Freshman Zuri Faison led the team with 17 points in the win over Ludlowe, while junior Madi Utzinger scored a game-high 15 points against Shepaug Valley.
GHS SHOWS STRONG EFFORT
Greenwich High School’s girls ice hockey team outshot Trumbull/St. Joseph 40-16 but fell 4-1 on January 3, with only one goal from Eleanor Fine. Despite the loss, the Cardinals showed significant improvement, with coach Doug Jebb praising their effort and aggressive play.
HALL-CONARD TRIUMPHS IN WINTER CLASSIC
The Greenwich High School varsity girls ice hockey team hosted the 2024 Winter Classic against Hall-Conard at Greenwich Skating Club on December 28, 2024. Hall-Conard won the game 3-0 in a competitive matchup.
BRUINS HOCKEY TEAM CLAIMS VICTORY
Brunswick School’s hockey team is off to a strong start with a 10-1-1 record, including a thrilling 4-3 overtime win against Northwood to claim its third consecutive Kevin Mutch Holiday Tournament title. The team displayed resilience and skill throughout the tournament, highlighted by key performances from Joe Salandra, Tucker Spiess, and Ben Taylor.
GHS STAYS PERFECT WITH DOMINANT WINS
Greenwich High School’s girls basketball team improved to 4-0 after dominant victories over Hall High School (66-30) and Joel Barlow High School (38-21). The Cardinals have won all four games by over 15 points, showcasing strong team performance and defense.
GHS GIRLS ICE HOCKEY SHINES
The Greenwich High School girls ice hockey team has shown strong signs of improvement, including depth, balanced scoring, and solid defense, leading to a 2-1 start with victories over Wilton and Ridgefield. With a mix of experienced leaders and talented underclassmen, the Cardinals are aiming for a top-four finish in the FCIAC and playoff success.
SH DOMINATES RIVAL WITH DEFENSE
Sacred Heart Greenwich remains undefeated with a dominant 69-29 win over Greenwich Academy, utilizing strong defense and balanced scoring from 10 players. Senior Aisha Hassan led the charge, while the team showcased its depth and preparation for upcoming tournaments.
GHS STARTS SEASON WITH DOMINANCE
Greenwich High School’s girls basketball team started the 2024-2025 season with dominant wins, defeating Hillhouse 51-20 and Bassick 43-8. The Cardinals are off to an impressive 2-0 start, with key contributions from senior captains and a strong team chemistry.
LOCAL POLITICS FROM HARTFORD AVERY STEPS DOWN, SILVERMAN TAKES OVER
Vanessa Roberts Avery, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced her resignation, effective January 17. She served in the role since May 2022, focusing on issues like gun violence, drug trafficking, and civil rights. Marc H. Silverman will take over as Acting U.S. Attorney after her departure.
ACROSS CT COSTCO RECALLS FLU MEDICATION
Costco is recalling Kirkland Signature Severe Cold & Flu Plus Congestion medication sold in October and November due to potential contamination with foreign materials. Affected products are marked with lot code P140082 and item number 1729556. Customers are advised to stop using the product and return it to any Costco location for a full refund.
GRANTS EMPOWER LOCAL NONPROFITS’ GROWTH
Local non-prof its are encouraged to apply for federal Community Development Block Grant funding by February 5. The funding supports programs and projects for low- and moderate-income clients between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. Applications are managed by the Town’s Community Development department and available online.
BIRD FLU DRIVES EGG PRICES UP
The CDC reports a rise in bird flu cases, leading to culling of infected flocks and reduced egg production. Egg prices have nearly doubled compared to last year, with 129 million birds affected nationwide. Prices are expected to remain high until the outbreak is contained and production stabilizes.
FLAGS LOWERED FOR PRESIDENT CARTER
Flags in Connecticut have been lowered to half-staff to honor former President Jimmy Carter, who died on December 29 at age 100. Following federal law, flags will remain at half-staff for 30 days. Half-staff observances honor prominent
