POLICE & FIRE
Cos Cob Firefighters Honor Milestones
The Cos Cob Fire Police Patrol and Cos Cob Volunteer Fire Department held their annual Inspection Dinner on January 11, marking 97 and 102 years of service, respectively. Members of the Greenwich Fire Department and town officials attended to acknowledge their contributions. The Cos Cob Fire Police Patrol is a volunteer fire service organization established in 1927.
FROM TOWN HALL
Greenwich Opens 2025 Permit Reservations
The Greenwich Department of Parks and Recreation will begin accepting online-only applications for 2025 picnic and overnight camping permits on February 18. Residents must verify their residency beforehand, requiring two proofs for primary account holders and one for permit holders, if different. Reservations are limited to one per family for overnight camping at Great Captain Island or Island Beach and one for picnic areas, with all fees due at booking.
Town Approves Historic Housing Plan
The Planning and Zoning Commission approved a plan to add six residential units to the historic 1910 Armory site in central Greenwich while preserving the original structure and part of the Drill Shed. The project includes a three-story building and a two-level parking garage, granted under a “historic overlay” that allows deviations from zoning standards. The designation ensures the Armory and Drill Shed will be preserved indefinitely.
Town Launches Annual Budget Process
The town began its budget process with presentations on Tuesday. First Selectman Fred Camillo and Greenwich Public Schools officials outlined their financial plans for the 2025-26 fiscal year, followed by public comments.
AROUND TOWN
Town Proposes Flooding Solutions
The western branch of Brothers Brook in Greenwich is prone to flooding, and the town has proposed a $30 million plan to address drainage issues. The plan includes six projects, such as bridge replacements, spillway modifications, and channel widening, but federal regulations require upstream and downstream improvements to be coordinated. Officials caution that even if completed, these measures will have limited impact on reducing flooding in affected areas.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Green & Tonic Expands Stamford Location
Green & Tonic opened its seventh location in downtown Stamford on January 27, 2025, offering a gluten-free menu with smoothies, salads, and customizable meal options. The new store includes features like a Salad Station, Meal Boxes, and the Anna Kaiser Blue Moves Smoothie, catering to students with study areas, charging ports, and a 20% UConn Stamford student discount. Located at 54 West Park Place, it is open daily and hiring for new positions.
Greenwich Confirms Ban On Pet Sales
The Greenwich Planning and Zoning Commission discussed whether local regulations allow retail pet stores to sell puppies, kittens, and rabbits, prompted by New York State’s new law banning such sales. Greenwich’s current zoning regulations do not permit this type of retail activity, as animals are not classified as goods or commodities. Licensing from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture would also require local zoning approval, which Greenwich does not provide.
Greenwich Hospital Proposes Upgrades
Greenwich Hospital has submitted a revised proposal to build a cancer-care unit within its existing facilities, avoiding the need for new construction or zoning changes. The plan includes renovating 36,000 square feet in the main hospital and relocating several departments to offsite locations to create space for upgraded cancer treatment services. Initial feedback from the Planning & Zoning Commission focused on traffic, parking, and operational specifics, with further review pending formal submission.
Call-A-Ride Celebrates 50 Years
Call-A-Ride, founded in 1975 at First Presbyterian Church, provides free transportation for ambulatory Greenwich residents aged 60 and older. Initially starting with one vehicle and $6,000 in funding, the nonprofit continues to assist seniors in reaching medical appointments, grocery stores, and other local destinations. The organization relies on donations and volunteer drivers to maintain its services.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Old Greenwich Honors Community Advocate
The Old Greenwich Association awarded Candace Garthwaite the Old Greenwich Award at its annual meeting for her long-standing contributions to the community, including her service on the RTM and advocacy for initiatives like flood mitigation and scenic road designations. Garthwaite also played a key role in establishing Old Greenwich as a Village District to preserve its downtown character. Additionally, OG Real Estate LLC outlined its plans to maintain and improve properties within the recently acquired Nolan Estate without altering existing façades.
SCHOOLS
Kindergarten Inspired By Empowering Story
Jenn Bensen, Associate Head of School for Student Life at Sacred Heart Greenwich, read The Littlest Yak to the kindergarten class. The book conveys that even the smallest individuals can achieve significant accomplishments. Students listened and asked questions about the story.
Author Inspires Young Writers’ Creativity
Author Madilyn Wolpin visited Whitby School’s second graders to share the process of creating her book Bring Back the Babka. She explained the steps of writing, editing, and publishing, using drafts to show idea development. Students ended the session with a babka tasting and received autographed copies of the book.
Ashley Malkin Earns Prestigious Recognition
Greenwich High School senior Ashley Malkin has been named one of the top 300 scholars in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search, earning $2,000 for herself and $2,000 for her school. Her project focuses on using machine learning to develop polymersomes capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier. The competition received nearly 2,500 applications from 795 high schools across the U.S. and internationally.
Ortiz Wins Silver Key Award
Middle School student Alisia Ortiz earned a Silver Key in the Connecticut Regional Scholastic Art Awards for her sculpture West Side Wanderer. The program is a juried competition recognizing outstanding student artwork in Connecticut.
SPORTS
GHS Basketball Dominates Trumbull Defense
Greenwich High School’s girls basketball team extended its undefeated season to 12-0 with a 44-33 victory over Trumbull, maintaining their No. 1 ranking in the CIAC Class LL division. Freshman Zuri Faison led the way with 19 points, supported by strong defensive play and contributions from teammates Elsa Xhekaj and Alyssa Gath. Coach Megan Wax praised the team’s defensive mindset and focus on growth as they continue to dominate the FCIAC.
GA Dominates Hopkins 49-33
Greenwich Academy secured its fourth win of the season with a commanding 49-33 victory over Hopkins School on Jan. 23. Junior Mallory Walker led the way with 18 points, while a balanced team effort and strong defense propelled the Gators to an early lead they maintained throughout the game. Coach Jordan Griffith praised the team’s hard work and resilience, emphasizing their growth and determination in a challenging league.
Cardinals Showcase Resilience Against Fairfield
Greenwich High School’s girls hockey team faced a tough challenge against the Fairfield Ludlowe co-op on Jan. 23, falling 6-2 despite goals from senior co-captain Lexi Carino and freshman Hailey Dreher. Fairfield’s offense, led by freshman Scarlett Robbins, overwhelmed Greenwich with a four-goal second period. Coach Doug Jebb praised his team’s effort and resilience but emphasized the need for stronger starts and improved scoring to compete in the highly competitive FCIAC.
GHS Wrestlers Shine Against Norwalk
Greenwich High School’s wrestling team secured a 42-32 victory over Norwalk High, building on their strong fourth-place finish at the Brunswick Invitational. Sophomores Nicholas Bound, Mark Zolotarvesky, and junior Monty Bell delivered standout performances, with Zolotarvesky and Bell also earning top placements at the Brunswick tournament. Despite injuries sidelining key wrestlers, the young team continues to show promise, aiming for strong finishes at upcoming FCIAC and state tournaments.
GHS Upsets Staples Unbeaten Streak
Matthew Maloney, Blake Martin, and Sandro Scott led Greenwich High School’s boys basketball team to a 57-52 victory over previously undefeated Staples, combining for 54 points in the FCIAC showdown. The Cardinals demonstrated composure under pressure, with Maloney scoring 14 of his game-high 23 points in the second half, while Martin and Scott added key baskets to maintain the lead. Greenwich improved to 4-6 overall and 3-3 in the conference, showcasing their ability to compete with top-ranked teams.
LOCAL POLITICS
RTM Approves Decorative Light Poles
The Greenwich Representative Town Meeting approved the donation of 36 decorative light poles valued at $252,076 for the Glenville corridor, which will undergo significant upgrades. The project, funded by federal CMAQ funds and a $500,000 public-private partnership, includes road widening, new sidewalks, updated traffic signals, and landscaping. The upgrades are expected to begin this spring and conclude by December, with the town assuming responsibility for electrical costs once the light poles are installed.
FROM HARTFORD
Attorneys General Defend State Authority
A coalition of state attorneys general, led by Connecticut’s William Tong, issued a statement addressing a U.S. Department of Justice memo on state involvement in federal immigration enforcement. Citing the Supreme Court decision in Printz v. United States, they asserted that the Constitution prohibits the federal government from compelling states to enforce federal laws. They affirmed their commitment to enforcing state laws while opposing federal overreach.
ACROSS CT
Eversource Sells Aquarion For Growth
Eversource Energy has agreed to sell Aquarion Water Company to the newly created Aquarion Water Authority (AWA) for $2.4 billion, including $1.6 billion in cash and $800 million in debt. The sale enables Eversource to reduce debt and focus on its core electricity and natural gas operations, despite an anticipated $300 million loss from the transaction. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in late 2025.
Vornado Amazon Recall
Vornado has recalled 7,780 VH2 Whole Room Heaters due to a power cord defect that poses shock and fire hazards. The heaters, sold on Amazon between August and October 2024, are marked with “TYPE VH2” and date codes “JUL24” or “AUG24.” Consumers should stop using them and contact Vornado for a free replacement.
Recall for First Aid Beauty Cream
First Aid Beauty recalled 2,756 jars of its 14-ounce Ultra Repair Cream in coconut vanilla scent due to the accidental distribution of quarantined products. The recall, classified as “Class II” by the FDA, applies to specific lot numbers sold exclusively on FirstAidBeauty. com. Affected customers were notif ied and provided with replacement products and disposal instructions.
Egg Prices Rise
Bird flu outbreaks have led to higher egg prices in the U.S., with Connecticut prices reaching $6.99 per dozen and the national average surpassing $4. The virus has reduced egg supplies through culling efforts, affecting both backyard and large-scale flocks. While the CDC reports low human risk, producers and retailers are working to address market disruptions.
Kia Recalls 80K Vehicles
Kia is recalling 80,255 Niro EV, PHEV, and Hybrid vehicles from 2023 to 2025 due to a floor wiring defect that could affect airbag and seat belt functionality or cause unintended airbag deployment. Dealers will inspect, repair, or replace the wiring assembly and add protective covers at no cost. Owner notification letters will be sent starting March 14, 2025, with further details available at https://www. nhtsa.gov/?nhtsaId=25V024000 or from Kia.
OUR NEIGHBORS
Truwit Visits Swim School
Paralympian Ali Truwit, a shark attack survivor and Darien native, recently visited the Stewie the Duck Swim School in Norwalk to share her journey. During her visit, she presented a $5,000 donation from her Stronger Than You Think Foundation to support low-cost swim lessons. Truwit, who lost part of her leg in 2023, won silver medals in the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. The swim school, founded by Kim and Stew Leonard Jr., promotes water safety education in memory of their son, who drowned in 1989.
