ALERT! PREPARE FOR COLD WEATHER
Greenwich residents should brace for an Arctic chill set to grip the region this week. A deep trough of frigid air descending from Canada, “that’s going to set the stage for the coldest air we’ve seen all season for a lot of us,” says meteorologist Ryan Hall. The week will be generally clear and sunny with wind gusts maxing out at 25 mph, but generally forecasted to have wind speeds in the single digits. When temperatures drop, residents can stay warm at designated heating centers in Greenwich.
POLICE & FIRE
PATROLMAN HISLER COMPLETES PROBATION
Patrolman Hisler has completed his probationary period with CCFPP, fulfilling training requirements in salvage, traffic control, scene management, and introductory firefighting. He passed the probationary exam and will now proceed to Firefighter I training. CCFPP, a volunteer fire service organization, has served Greenwich since 1927.
ELLIS, FRANKS EARN Q ENDORSEMENT
Patrolmen Ellis and Franks successfully obtained their Q endorsement, allowing them to operate fire apparatus. This achievement required extensive practice and preparation. In the coming months, they will undergo additional driver training to qualify for operating Patrol 2.
SIX OFFICERS EARN KEY PROMOTIONS
Chief Heavey announced the promotion of six officers within the department. Deputy Chief Bonney now leads the Administrative and Professional Standards Bureau, Captain Smyth oversees the Support Services Division, and Lieutenant Bucci has assumed the role of Support Services Commanding Officer. Lieutenant Lyman now leads Platoon A in patrol, while Sergeants Greco and Perusse serve as Desk Sergeants in the Patrol Division.
GREENWICH POLICE ALERT RESIDENTS SAFELY
The Greenwich Police Department is warning residents about a text scam involving unpaid parking fines. Officials clarified that the town does not request payments through text messages. An investigation into the scam is ongoing.
FROM TOWN HALL
GREENWICH OPENS PARK RENAMING SURVEY
The Town of Greenwich plans to rename the open space on the Pomerance and Tuchman properties. A survey is available for residents to suggest names based on the site’s history, geography, or other relevant aspects, including keeping the current name. The survey will remain open for two weeks. Survey: https://www.greenwichct.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2693
TOWN SEEKS APPROVAL FOR SAFER SPEED LIMIT
Greenwich is seeking state approval to set a 25 mph speed limit on Pilgrim Drive, a residential road that currently has no limit on the town’s side. The proposal may face challenges as Port Chester enforces a 30 mph town-wide limit, including its section of the road. The Board of Selectmen approved the request unanimously to address resident concerns about speeding.
GREENWICH AFFIRMS RETAIL SPACE FOCUS
The Planning & Zoning Commission in Greenwich denied a request to amend zoning laws to convert the second-floor retail space of Saks Fifth Avenue at 200 Greenwich Avenue into office space. The property owner argued that the second-floor retail area was underperforming, but the commission determined the proposed change would address only a specific vacancy issue and could set an undesirable precedent. The second-floor space must remain retail or find another use within existing zoning regulations.
SCALED-DOWN DEVELOPMENT APPROVED
A new proposal for 240 Greenwich Avenue reduces the project to a three-story building with 12 residential units and 2,500 square feet of office space, replacing earlier plans for a larger development. The historic 1916 Beaux-Arts bank building on the site will be preserved. The current plans include 77 parking spaces, and a traffic study indicates no significant impact on local roadways.
AROUND TOWN
GREENWICH LIBRARY WELCOMES THOMAS FRIEDMAN FOR SIGNATURE SERIES
Greenwich Library will host New York Times foreign affairs correspondent Thomas Friedman on February 20 at 7 p.m. in the Berkley Theater. Friedman will present “The Big Trends Shaping the World Today: Economics, Technology, and Geopolitics.” Registration is required and opens January 30 at greenwichlibrary.org. A three-time Pulitzer Prize winner, Friedman is known for his analysis of global issues and bestselling books, including The World is Flat. The event is free, with books available for purchase and signing. A livestream will be offered, but the event will not be recorded. This Signature Series program is supported by community donations.
SMARUS WELLING PRESERVE’S BIODIVERSITY
The Smarus Welling Preserve protects 20 acres of upland forest, streams, and wetlands between Porchuck Road and the Merritt Parkway. Donated in 1978, the preserve supports diverse flora such as oaks, sugar maples, and trillium, and is home to deer, wild turkeys, and raptors. Its geological variety contributes to low invasive species pressure and rich ecological diversity.
STEWARDS MAINTAIN LAND TRUST STANDARDS
Greenwich Land Trust’s Volunteer Stewards inspected properties throughout 2024 to ensure compliance with conservation standards. Tasks included monitoring boundaries, identifying invasive species, and submitting detailed inspection reports. These efforts support GLT’s adherence to Land Trust Alliance accreditation standards, essential for protecting open space in perpetuity.
NORTH STREET BRIDGE UPGRADE PLANNED
The Greenwich Department of Public Works has proposed a 12- week summer detour plan for the North Street Bridge replacement project, requiring a full road closure starting after June 9. The plan includes a 2.7-mile detour route and traffic management measures, with construction expected to last 10 months, concluding in fall 2025. The Board of Selectmen will vote on the proposal on January 23 after a public feedback period.
KING STREET FACILITY TRANSFORMING
RegalCare at Greenwich, a 75-bed nursing home on King Street, closed in 2021 after Hurricane Ida caused severe damage, including water leakage and a power failure. The property is undergoing renovations to become a 20-unit assisted living facility with upgraded interiors, landscaping, and amenities like a gym and recreation room, with no building expansion planned. Town approval is required for the project, which is owned by Laurelton Properties LLC and Howard Ripps.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
UNITE AGAINST DEVASTATING WILDFIRES
California is experiencing some of the largest wildfires in its history, with hurricane-force winds spreading flames rapidly across Los Angeles County and surrounding areas. Over 180,000 residents are under evacuation orders, thousands of structures have been destroyed, and critical infrastructure, including power and water systems, has been severely impacted. You can help by donating to the Red Cross to support wildfire relief efforts, volunteering to assist emergency operations, and sharing updates about the crisis on social media to raise awareness. Visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS for more details.
TOD’S POINT SAILING SCHOOL OPENS
Tod’s Point Sailing School has opened registration for its 2025 summer classes, offering sailing lessons, private instruction, and equipment rentals, including sailboats, kayaks, and paddleboards. The school also provides summer job opportunities for qualified applicants. Community support helps maintain affordability and accessibility for all participants. Photo Credit: Tod’s Point Sailing School
FILM FESTIVAL PARTNERS WITH MUSEUM
The Greenwich-based Focus on French Cinema and The Bruce Museum have partnered to celebrate 20 years of the film festival with screenings of French films throughout the year. The first event, a screening of *The Pursuit of Endurance – On the Shoulders of Shackleton*, will take place on January 26 at 2 p.m. in The Bruce Museum’s auditorium, followed by a talk with the film’s producer, Luc Hardy. Tickets are available online, with more screenings to be announced.
QUEEN WILLA FUNDRAISER SUPPORTS FAMILIES
Garden Catering will launch *Queen Willa’s Countdown to the Bell* in January, selling $5 coupon booklets to benefit LivFree, Circle of Care, and Swim Across America – Fairfield County, organizations supporting families of children with cancer. Proceeds will assist these nonprofits in providing resources, experiences, and care for affected families. Booklets will be available starting January 13, 2025, and coupons can be redeemed in February.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
TEENS CLIMBING KILIMANJARO SUPPORT SCHOOL
Fourteen-year-olds Diego Placido and Theo Ho are preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in February, training for the physical and altitude challenges of the 20,000-foot summit. They are also fundraising to support a local Tanzanian school, aiming to raise $10,000 for necessities like computers, food, and building repairs. Their GoFundMe campaign has surpassed $7,700, with plans to deliver supplies directly to the school.
SCOUTS EARN BADGES AT CAMP
Over 50 Scouts gathered at Greenwich Scouting’s Camp Seton for a merit badge workshop, focusing on skills such as first aid, emergency preparedness, traffic safety, and search-and-rescue. The event included practical stations led by first responders, featuring activities like assembling first aid kits, learning emergency protocols, and witnessing K-9 demonstrations. The day provided Scouts with opportunities to earn essential badges required for Eagle Scout advancement.
PIONEERING GEMS FOUNDER TUFTS HONORED
Charlee Tufts, founding executive director and chief of service of Greenwich Emergency Medical Service (GEMS), has died at 79. Tufts established GEMS in 1986 and led it for over 30 years, implementing innovations like 12-lead EKG technology and achieving Connecticut’s first HEARTSafe Designation. A memorial service will be held in her honor in the coming months.
SCHOOLS
DANCING FOR DC
Greenwich eighth graders take an annual trip to Washington, D.C., to learn about the federal government, supported by community fundraising efforts. On January 24, the Greenwich Public Schools’ 8th Grade DC Trip Scholarship Fund and the Greenwich Alliance for Education will host the “Dancing for DC” fundraiser from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Old Greenwich Social Club. Tickets are $50, with proceeds funding scholarships for students to participate in the trip. More details and tickets: https://greenwichalliance.org/ogsc
GHS SENIOR EARNS SCIENCE HONOR
Greenwich High School senior Ashley Malkin has been named one of the top 300 scholars in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search, earning a $2,000 award and another $2,000 for her school. Her project focuses on developing a polymersome for blood-brain barrier transport using a machine learning model. The competition selected scholars from nearly 2,500 applicants worldwide, with finalists to be announced on January 23.
SACRED HEART PARTNERS WITH MILKMATE
Sacred Heart Greenwich has partnered with MilkMate to become the first independent school to install its breast-pumping technology, providing faculty with a dedicated space and equipment to streamline the process. The collaboration also offers students externship opportunities in entrepreneurship and innovation, enhancing real-world learning. This initiative reflects the school’s focus on creating a supportive environment for faculty and fostering experiential education for students.
STUDENTS SHINE IN PLAYWRITING WORKSHOP
Third and fourth graders at Sacred Heart Greenwich are participating in the Arc Stages workshop. Actors from Arc Stages performed at the school and worked with students in classrooms to help them write plays based on the theme “Courage and Confidence.” The program focuses on storytelling and skill development in communication and collaboration.
SACRED HEART STUDENTS WIN BIG
Students from Sacred Heart Greenwich earned numerous awards in the Connecticut COLT Artwork Contest, which promotes world language study among K-12 students. Winners included Alice B. ’32, Ella B. ’33, Violet D. ’31, Julia T. ’29, and Vivianna L. ’25, among others, across categories like posters, 3D art, and digital projects. The contest’s theme was “Connect for the Love of Languages.”
SACRED HEART STUDENTS SHINE BRIGHT
Sacred Heart Greenwich Upper School’s Mock Trial Club competed at the Bridgeport Courthouse in two rounds against Fairfield Ludlowe and St. Joseph’s. Students represented both Prosecution and Defense teams, practicing legal arguments in a courtroom setting. The event provided practical exposure to courtroom procedures.
SHG PROPOSES CHICKEN COOP
Sacred Heart Greenwich is seeking approval to build a chicken coop to support its agricultural program. The Planning and Zoning Commission will review the proposal on January 22 at 4 p.m. The coop, measuring 8.5 by 20 feet, would be located in the northeast corner of the campus at 1177 King St. Plans indicate it will house no more than 10 chickens to hatch chicks this spring. Eggs will not be sold, and no slaughtering is planned. The structure complies with setback regulations and includes stormwater management features. Further details are available in the meeting’s tentative agenda.
PATRICK LAI NAMED FINANCE DIRECTOR
Patrick Lai has been promoted to director of finance for Greenwich Public Schools, where he will oversee budgeting, accounting, payroll, and financial reporting in accordance with district policies and regulations. Lai joined the district in 2023 as a financial analyst and later served as budget management director. Previously, he worked at IBM for 28 years, most recently as chief financial officer for IBM Technology Support Services.
SPORTS
GHS BASKETBALL DOMINATES DEFENSIVE PLAY
Greenwich High School’s girls basketball team improved to 8-0 with a dominant 48-17 win over Wilton, fueled by a stifling defense that has shut out three opponents in first quarters this season. Freshman center Zuri Faison led the balanced scoring effort, while the Cardinals’ aggressive play and versatility continue to drive their success.
CARDINALS SHOWCASE GROWTH IN DEFEAT
Greenwich High School girls ice hockey showed strong improvement in a hard-fought 3-1 loss to Stamford/Westhill/Staples, with Aubrey Roth scoring the Cardinals’ lone goal on a power play. Despite the defeat, coach Doug Jebb praised the team’s progress in puck movement, defensive play, and teamwork.
CARDINALS SHINE DESPITE TOUGH LOSS
Greenwich High School’s boys basketball team held a commanding lead over St. Joseph for most of the game, but Cadets senior guard TJ Wright’s 30-point performance, including his 1,000th career point, propelled St. Joseph to a 70-63 comeback win on Jan. 8. Despite the loss, Greenwich showed significant improvement and rebounded with a 62-53 victory against Wilton on Jan. 10.
CARDINALS TRIUMPH IN OVERTIME VICTORY
Greenwich High School’s girls basketball team remained undefeated at 7-0 after a thrilling 50-45 overtime win against St. Joseph High School. Freshman Zuri Faison led the Cardinals with 25 points, including a dominant performance in the second half and overtime.
TIGERS DOMINATE HAMDEN HALL VICTORY
Sacred Heart Greenwich’s basketball team secured a 54-46 victory over Hamden Hall on Jan. 8, improving their overall record to 7-2 and remaining undefeated in FAA play. Key contributions came from junior guard Eva Wilkerson, who led with 14 points and 10 rebounds, alongside standout performances from Lucianna Parrotta, Ava Curto, and Aisha Hassan.
CARDINALS SHOW STRENGTH EARLY SEASON
Greenwich High School’s boys hockey team holds a 2-2-1 record five games into the season, showing resilience with close losses to strong opponents and convincing wins against Northwest Catholic and Woodstock Academy. In their recent 2-2 tie against North Haven, junior forward Teddy Johnson led with two goals, supported by strong defensive play and standout goaltending from Luka Priatka.
LOCAL POLITICS
LWV GREENWICH HOSTS ECONOMIC POLICY DISCUSSION
The League of Women Voters (LWV) Greenwich will host a virtual program titled “Tariffs, Taxes and the Trump Economy” on January 22 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Larry Kantor, former Head of Research for Barclays Capital and Federal Reserve Economist, will discuss the economic policies of the new administration, including their impact on inflation, trade, and taxation. Registrants may submit questions in advance. A Zoom link will be provided on the morning of the event. Attendance is free, but donations are encouraged to support future programs. Registration is available online.
FROM HARTFORD
CARVANA SETTLEMENT BENEFITS CONNECTICUT CONSUMERS
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong announced a $1.5 million settlement with Carvana following hundreds of consumer complaints about delays in vehicle registration, payment issues, and misrepresented car conditions. The settlement includes $1 million for customer restitution and a $500,000 penalty, with terms requiring Carvana to comply with state laws and improve customer service.
