Empire State Building Honors Andrew Niblock
On January 13, the Empire State Building was lit in GCDS orange to honor Andrew Niblock. Niblock, who battled ALS, was remembered for his optimism. The event served as a tribute to his courage in facing the disease.
POLICE & FIRE
Sidewalks Cleared Ensure Pedestrian Safety The Greenwich Police Department reminds residents to clear sidewalks of snow and ice within 18 hours of a storm. This ensures sidewalks remain safe and accessible for pedestrians.
Town Investigates Parking Scam Alert Greenwich residents have reported receiving fraudulent text messages about unpaid parking tickets. The Department of Parking Services confirmed they do not send such messages, and the Greenwich Police Department is investigating. Residents should ignore the texts and contact Parking Services directly with any questions.
AROUND TOWN
Donated Equipment Aids Community Needs
Holly Hill’s Wheel It Forward program collects durable medical equipment (DME), such as wheelchairs, walkers, and canes, for redistribution to those in need. Donations of gently used equipment can be dropped off at the Operations Field near the attendant’s shed.
Town Conditions on 8-30g Project Challenged Mason Street Partners LLC has sued the Greenwich Planning and Zoning Commission over conditions attached to its approval of an 8-30g affordable housing project on Mason Street. The developer claims the conditions, including size and distribution requirements for affordable units and restrictions on retail use, violate state law and threaten the project’s viability. The case, now in the Hartford land use docket, will determine whether the commission’s actions comply with Connecticut’s affordable housing statute
Bobcats Thriving in Greenwich’s Forests
Bobcats are native to Connecticut and have been making a comeback in suburban and rural areas, including Greenwich. These solitary animals avoid human interaction and pose no threat to people. Bobcats help control rodent populations and are a protected species in the state.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Queen Willa’s Countdown to the Bell
A Greenwich family has launched a fundraiser, “Queen Willa’s Countdown to the Bell,” to support Circle of Care, LiveFree, and Swim Across America’s Fairfield County chapter. The fundraiser offers coupon booklets and direct donations to benefit these organizations, which assisted their daughter, Willa, during her leukemia treatment. Willa, now 5, is set to complete her chemotherapy and radiation in July. For more information, visit https://www.gardencatering.com/WILLASCOUNTDOWN
Hemingway Book Returned After Decades
A copy of Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises, originally due at Greenwich Library on April 15, 1969, was recently returned after nearly 56 years. The borrower explained it was accidentally packed during a move to upstate New York in 1980. With overdue fines eliminated in 2022, the library accepted the book without penalty, along with a check to replace it.
Red Cross Aids Wildfire Recovery
The California wildfires have caused widespread destruction, displacing families and pets, and destroying homes and belongings. The American Red Cross is providing food, shelter, emotional support, and other critical aid through over 400 workers on-site. Donations and volunteer support can be directed through the Red Cross to assist ongoing relief and recovery efforts.
Bruce Museum Hosts Animal Day
The Bruce Museum held “Acts of Community Service for Animals Day: Fun Fur All” on January 20 from noon to 4 pm, offering free admission for visitors under 18. The family-friendly event included activities like bird feeder crafting, animal-inspired headband making, and a scavenger hunt through the museum’s galleries. Participants also learned about how animals adapt to winter.
Camera-less Photography Exhibit
The Camera-less exhibit at Flinn Gallery, running through March 5, features works by Joanne Dugan, Amanda Marchand, Anne Arden McDonald, and Liz Nielsen. The exhibit focuses on camera-less photography, a technique that dates back to the 1800s. It demonstrates how artists today create photographic images without using a camera.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Greenwich Resident Joins TPIU
The Patient Is U Foundation (TPIU), a nonprofit focused on patient-centered healthcare, has appointed Greenwich resident Claudio Pannunzio as Chairman of the Board. Pannunzio will oversee TPIU’s strategic direction, including advocacy, education, and partnerships aimed at fostering compassionate care and reducing healthcare costs. Founded in 2017, TPIU works to improve patient experiences and support caregivers in delivering empathetic care.
Greenwich Comptroller Plans Smooth Transition
Peter Mynarski, Greenwich’s comptroller since 2004, plans to retire later this year, and the town has begun searching for his replacement with a starting salary of $200,000. The finance department, which manages budgeting, audits, and retirement plans, is also facing additional transitions, including the planned retirement of Budget Director Roland Geiger. The town is using an executive search firm to aid in recruiting a new comptroller.
Father Murphy Leads St. Patrick’s Parade
Father Richard Murphy will serve as Grand Marshal of the 49th annual Greenwich St. Patrick’s Parade, organized by the Greenwich Hibernian Association. He will be installed on March 8 at the group’s dinner dance, and the parade will take place on March 23 at 2 pm A Stamford native and current pastor at St. Michael Parish in Greenwich, Murphy has served as a police chaplain and has strong ties to his Irish heritage through his paternal grandparents. Photo Credit: Greenwich Hibernian Association
SCHOOLS
SHG Students Explore CAHM
The Middle School Chinese classes at Sacred Heart Greenwich visited the Museum of Chinese in America. Students explored Chinese American history through primary sources, artifacts, and personal stories. The exhibits were presented in both English and Chinese.
SPORTS
GHS Boys BBall Shows Resilience
Greenwich High School’s boys basketball team lost 58-48 to New Canaan on January 17, despite a late comeback attempt. Matthew Maloney scored 20 points, with 18 coming in the second half, and Sandro Scott added 10. The team trailed by double digits but narrowed the gap to three points in the fourth quarter.
Brunswick Wrestling Dominates Invitational
The Brunswick School wrestling team won the 50th Annual Brunswick Invitational Wrestling Tournament on January 18, 2025, with 373 points, securing the team title for the second time in three years. The Bruins had four champions and 19 wrestlers place in the top six of their weight classes. New York Military Academy and Eagle Hill School finished second and third, respectively.
GHS Girls Basketball Stays Undefeated
Greenwich High School’s girls basketball team improved their record to 10-0 with a 47-27 victory over New Canaan on January 17. The team had previously defeated Bridgeport Central 48-19 on January 14. Their next game is against Staples on January 21, followed by a home game against Trumbull on January 24.
FROM HARTFORD
CT Strengthens Climate Change Resilience
Governor Ned Lamont announced a legislative proposal to enhance Connecticut’s resilience to extreme weather and climate change. The plan includes measures such as improving flood insurance awareness, expanding coastal development reviews, restricting high-risk flood zone development, integrating climate risks into municipal planning, and requiring infrastructure mapping. The proposal will be detailed in his budget address on February 5, 2025.
Crackdown Targets Illegal E-Cigarette Sales
Connecticut’s Attorney General William Tong has served civil investigative demands to 12 local smoke shops and two wholesalers as part of a nationwide effort targeting illegal, youth-oriented disposable e-cigarettes. These products, often imported illegally from China, are not regulated by the FDA and contain high levels of nicotine. Attorneys general from multiple states are taking enforcement actions to address the sale and distribution of these products, which are popular among youth.
Connecticut Forces Support Safe Inauguration
Governor Ned Lamont authorized the deployment of over 200 members from the Connecticut National Guard and 35 State Police personnel to Washington, D.C. to assist with security for the 60th U.S. Presidential Inauguration. The National Guard provided support in areas including public safety and infrastructure protection, while the State Police assisted with crowd control. Both deployments were in response to requests for aid from federal and local agencies.
