POLICE & FIRE
Crews Respond to Rollover Crash
Recently, Patrol 2 responded to a rollover crash on the Merritt Parkway, assisting state police by closing both northbound lanes and redirecting traffic through a rest stop while Engine 4 and Engine 8 stabilized the vehicle. Crews worked at night in icy conditions, prioritizing scene protection for safety. Cos Cob Fire Police Patrol, an all-volunteer fire service since 1927, encourages those interested in joining to contact recruitment@ccfpp.org.
Citizens Behind the Badge No Connection with GPD
Residents who have received a flyer from “Citizens Behind the Badge” should be aware that while the organization is a registered charity, it has no connection to the Greenwich Police Department. Despite the implication of law enforcement ties, the department remains unaffiliated with the group in any capacity.
FROM TOWN HALL
Greenwich Proposes $523 Million Budget
Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo proposed a $ 523 million budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, a 4.33 % increase, allocating funds for school renovations, infrastructure projects, and new equipment. For more information, see the Greenwich Sentinel article from our 1/31/25 issue or visit GreenwichSentinel.com.
Greenwich Approves Fire Truck Purchase
Greenwich fire officials secured $150,000 from the Board of Estimate and Taxation to purchase a 20-year-old used fire engine to address fleet shortages caused by accidents and long manufacturing delays. The town’s fire department has struggled with aging equipment, limited backup vehicles, and lengthy wait times for new trucks, with replacements not expected until 2026 and 2027. The funding request was approved 11-1, with one member objecting to the emergency process used to bypass additional town approvals.
AROUND TOWN
Federal Grant Freeze Rescinded
The White House’s Office of Management and Budget issued a memo proposing a freeze on federal grants, which was later rescinded. Officials are monitoring the situation to assess any potential impact on municipalities like Greenwich.
North Street Bridge Replacement Approved
The North Street bridge will be demolished in June and replaced with a larger structure, set to reopen by August. A detour plan will direct traffic onto Old Church Road, a residential street. Officials will provide updates on closures and road conditions through standard communication channels.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Donna De Varona Empowers Future Leaders
Donna de Varona, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and sports broadcaster, will headline Girls With Impact’s 5th Annual Gala, which supports leadership training for young women. As an advocate for gender equity in sports, she has played a key role in shaping policies like Title IX and the Amateur Sports Act. The event will highlight Girls With Impact’s efforts to prepare 50,000 young women for leadership roles in business and beyond.
YWCA Greenwich Hosts Health Forum
On January 23, YWCA Greenwich’s Center for Equity & Justice hosted its Annual Coretta Scott & Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Conversation, focusing on women’s health equity. A panel of medical and policy experts discussed disparities in cancer rates, maternal health, and healthcare access. The event concluded with an interactive exercise on envisioning a more equitable healthcare system.
Barracudas Exceed Swim-a-Thon Goal
The Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich held its 19th Annual Swima-Thon, with the Barracudas Swim Team raising over $13,000, surpassing the $10,000 goal. Fundraisers who raised more than $500 will be recognized with a brick in the Clubhouse entryway. The event was supported by The ZAC Foundation and featured a playlist curated by Keystone members.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Residents Earn National Recognition
Three Greenwich residents—Stephanie Dunn Ashley, Sam Romeo, and Paul Cappiali—have been named 2024 Extra Mile Heroes by Extra Mile America for their contributions to the community. Ashley leads the American Red Cross Metro New York North Chapter and serves with the Cos Cob Fire Police Patrol; Romeo chairs the Board of Commissioners of Greenwich Communities and is a longtime volunteer; Cappiali is the town harbormaster and supports various local charities. They were nominated and selected for their efforts to improve Greenwich.
Bruce Museum Appoints New Director
The Bruce Museum has appointed Mary-Kate O’Hare as its new Susan E. Lynch Executive Director and CEO, following a national search. O’Hare, who has 25 years of experience in curatorial and leadership roles, will begin on April 7, transitioning from her role as head of art advisory at Citi Private Bank. She will oversee the Museum’s operations, exhibitions, and educational programs, managing a staff of 66 and a $10 million budget.
SCHOOLS
GA Exhibition Explores Environmental Impact
Greenwich Academy’s Luchsinger Gallery winter exhibition, Watersheds, features work by Leila Daw, Fritz Horstman, Kathryn Frund, and Rebecca Riley, focusing on water’s role in the environment. The artists use various techniques to depict water’s presence, absence, and the impact of human activity. The exhibition title refers to both natural water systems, such as the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound, and the concept of environmental change.
Whitby Mathletes Advance to State
Whitby School’s Mathletes placed second at the MATHCOUNTS Chapter Competition at Fairfield University on February 1. Seven Middle School students qualified for the State Championship at Yale University, the largest group in Whitby’s history and the most from any school this year. MATHCOUNTS is a national competition for students in grades 6-8.
Riverside Students Shine On Stage
Riverside School’s gymnasium was converted into a French village for Beauty and the Beast Jr. over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend. The annual Winter Musical, sponsored by the Riverside PTA, featured fourth and fifth graders performing the classic story for sold-out audiences. Students spent weeks preparing for the production, which included musical numbers, custom stage props, and a full cast bringing the tale to life.
Sacred Heart Students Explore History
Sacred Heart Greenwich fifth graders visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art to study ancient Egyptian artifacts as part of their history unit. They then toured the Convent of the Sacred Heart on 91st Street and had lunch there. The trip reinforced their studies and connection to the Sacred Heart network.
GPS Recognizes Excellence
Greenwich Public Schools named 61 employees as January 2025 “Difference Maker” award recipients for their contributions to the school community. The award, given monthly, recognizes full- and part-time staff who make a significant impact. Each school will hold individual ceremonies to honor the recipients.
SPORTS
GA Squash Wins Nationals
Greenwich Academy’s Middle School Gators squash team won its 10th Division 1 national title and second consecutive championship. The Green team placed fifth in Division 1, and the Gold team finished second in Division 2.
GHS Ski Team Gains Momentum
Greenwich High School’s boys alpine skiing team has shown steady improvement throughout the season, with standout performances from captains Owen Benison and Thaddeus Whittle. The Cardinals have consistently placed well in Connecticut Ski League meets at Mount Southington, with Benison, Steven Hartofilis, and others earning top individual finishes. With the state championships approaching, the team remains focused on growth, teamwork, and strong postseason results.
GHS Speeds Past Darien Defense
Greenwich High School’s boys basketball team defeated Darien 59-40, using a fast-paced transition game to take control after a slow first quarter. Junior Sandro Scott led the Cardinals with 16 points, while senior guards Matthew Maloney and Blake Martin added 14 and 13 points, respectively, with strong fastbreak play. Junior center Michael Golden dominated inside, contributing a double-double as Greenwich secured its fourth win in six games.
Greenwich Cheer Makes Program History
Greenwich High School’s varsity cheerleading team made history on Feb. 1 by winning the FCIAC Grand Championship for the first time, earning the highest score of the competition with 96.15 points. Coached by Julia Vyskocil and led by captains Sierra Erensen, Siera Rollins, and Jane Trager, the Cardinals outperformed 12 other teams, finishing 4.5 points ahead of runner-up Danbury. The team now sets its sights on the Connecticut state championship, scheduled for March 1.
GA Secures Hard-Fought Victory
Greenwich Academy edged out Sacred Heart Greenwich 4-3 in a closely contested varsity ice hockey matchup at Chelsea Piers Connecticut on Jan. 29. Emma Harrison led GA with two goals, while Sacred Heart’s Ainsley Clough and Lauren Clark each found the net for the Tigers, who are in their first season as a varsity program. Both teams showcased strong play, with GA securing the win just before the second intermission and holding off a late push from Sacred Heart.
Girls Basketball Unbeaten
Greenwich High School’s girls basketball team remains undefeated at 14-0, holding the top spot in the CIAC Class LL rankings and leading the FCIAC with a perfect 9-0 record. The Cardinals secured their latest win with a 59-41 victory over Danbury, fueled by freshman Zuri Faison’s dominant 26-point, 17-rebound, seven-steal performance. Head coach Megan Wax credited the team’s strong ball movement, defensive pressure, and leadership as key factors in their continued success.
GHS Hockey Dominates Fairfield Co-op
Greenwich High School’s boys hockey team dominated Fairfield Warde/Ludlowe co-op with a 9-0 victory, fueled by a five-goal second period and contributions from eight different players. The Cardinals ended a four-game losing streak with the win, outshooting their opponent 41-9 and securing a shutout with goalies Luka Priatka and Jason Rosenthal. Coach Jack Duffy praised the team’s consistency and shooting mentality, while players credited their strong defensive play and energy.
LOCAL POLITICS
Hahn Elected Greenwich RTC Chair
Michael Hahn was elected chair of the Greenwich Republican Town Committee (RTC) on Wednesday with near-unanimous support after the resignation of Jerry Cincotta, who had served less than a year. The RTC nominates and supports local Republican candidates. Hahn emphasized party unity and the need to focus on winning elections as he took on the role.
Fazio Welcomes Dundee Students to Capitol
State Senator Ryan Fazio welcomed third graders from the International School at Dundee to the Capitol. He encouraged constituents to visit while the legislature is in session. Fazio emphasized the Capitol’s historical and governmental significance.
FROM HARTFORD
Attorneys Gen. Warn Federal Employees
Attorney General William Tong and ten other attorneys general warned federal employees about the Trump administration’s “deferred resignation” program, which offers continued pay and benefits through September 30, 2025, for those who resign by February 6. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) emailed federal employees on January 28 and 30, outlining the program and stating that those who do not resign are not guaranteed job security. Federal employee unions cautioned members that the offer does not guarantee the promised benefits.
Lamont Proposes Stronger Hate Crime Laws
Governor Ned Lamont announced a proposal to consolidate Connecticut’s hate crime statutes into a single chapter of the state’s legal code to simplify enforcement and prosecution. The bill, developed with the Connecticut Hate Crimes Advisory Council, would standardize terminology and remove the requirement that a defendant act “maliciously” to align with other states’ laws. The proposal includes over a dozen existing hate crime offenses and will be presented during his budget address on February 5, 2025.
ACROSS CT
CT Expands Contraception Access
Statewide Connecticut pharmacists can now complete a training program developed by the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy to prescribe contraception directly to patients. The program, approved by the Department of Consumer Protection, is optional, takes four hours, costs $40, and counts toward pharmacists’ continuing education requirements. Additionally, the state has introduced its first vending machines for emergency contraception and other over-the-counter medications.
OUR NEIGHBORS
Positive Directions Secures Grant
A non-profit, Positive Directions, received $57,000 in state funding for cannabis prevention efforts in Norwalk, New Canaan, Weston, and Wilton, as part of a larger $570,000 grant from the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. The organization also secured $625,000 in federal funding for the Norwalk Partnership, which focuses on youth mental health and substance use prevention. Positive Directions is one of ten statewide grant recipients
