News Briefs: February 21

POLICE & FIRE

Photo Credit: Greenwich Police Department

Police Dive Team Trains

The Greenwich Police Department’s Dive Team trains year-round, including in freezing conditions. Equipped with thermal drysuits and specialized gear, they remain prepared for emergency response.

Town Encourages Vigilance Against Vehicle Thefts

There has been an increase in motor vehicle thefts in town. Residents are advised to lock their vehicles, remove keys or key fobs, and avoid leaving valuables inside or in view. Report suspicious activity to 203-622-8004 or TIPS@greenwichct.gov.

FROM TOWN HALL

Photo Credit: Greenwich Public Works

Town Engineers Keep Infrastructure Strong

National Engineers Week runs from February 16-22, recognizing the engineers who design and maintain critical infrastructure. In Greenwich, the Department of Public Works Engineering team manages stormwater systems, bridge maintenance, and other essential projects. Their work supports the town’s infrastructure and public safety. Photo Credit: Greenwich Public Works

Free Tax Help Available at Town Hall

Free tax preparation assistance is available through the AARP Foundation in the Hayton Room on the third floor of Greenwich Town Hall. The service, open to all, runs by appointment only from Tuesday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., until April 11. To schedule, call 203-594-6058 or email greenwichtaxaid@gmail.com.

Greenwich St. Patrick’s Parade

The Board of Selectmen approved road closures for the annual St. Patrick’s Parade on March 23. The parade will follow its usual route from Town Hall to Greenwich Avenue, with Father Richard Murphy serving as grand marshal. A St. Patrick’s Day flag-raising ceremony will be held at Town Hall on March 17.

Photo Credit: Greenwich Conservation Commissio

Town Earns Silver Designation for Sustainability

The Sustainable CT display at Town Hall, open through February, outlines the town’s efforts in achieving a Silver designation from the Sustainable CT program with 935 points in 2024. The exhibit highlights key initiatives, including energy efficiency and climate resilience projects, which contributed to this recognition. It also features the final project of an intern who supported environmental conservation, wetlands monitoring, and biodiversity preservation throughout her internship.

Snow Sculpture Contest Offers Creative Fun

The 13th annual Snow Sculpture Contest, hosted by the Department of Parks and Recreation, is open to residents until March 7. Participants are asked to submit photos of their snow sculptures for a chance to win prizes. The contest is open to individuals 18 and older, with parents/ guardians allowed to submit on behalf of minors.

New Task Force Advances Ice Rink

A new task force is being created to oversee the construction of a new ice rink in Greenwich, building on previous work and incorporating new ideas. The task force will include members from various local committees and advisory roles to evaluate the location and finalize plans. This effort aims to replace the outdated Dorothy Hamill Rink, addressing the growing demand for ice time in the community.

AROUND TOWN

Developers Challenge Conditions for Housing Project

The developers of a residential project on Mason Street are suing the Planning & Zoning Commission over conditions it imposed on the approval, including restrictions on affordable unit sizes and the removal of retail space. They argue these conditions violate state law 8-30g, which limits changes to affordable housing projects unless related to health or safety. The lawsuit seeks to overturn the conditions and approve the project without restrictions.

Photo Credit: Greenwich Department of Public Works

Temporary Speed Signs Improve Safety

Temporary flashing speed feedback signs have been installed on Valley Road near the River Road Extension/ Scofield Street intersection to improve safety. The signs will remain for six months to monitor their effectiveness. Long-term solutions are still being evaluated.

New Development Proposed for Old Greenwich

A pre-application has been submitted to demolish the building at 189 Sound Beach Avenue in Old Greenwich, which dates back to 1910. The proposed project involves constructing a two-and-a-half-story commercial office building with an attic for storage and mechanicals. The property is located within the recently approved Old Greenwich Village District and has existing nonconformities regarding lot coverage, parking, and office use

LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS

Greenwich Embraces Food Waste Solutions

Starting January 1, 2025, businesses and institutions in Greenwich that produce over 26 tons of organic waste annually must comply with Connecticut’s Commercial Organics Recycling Law, requiring the diversion of food scraps and other organic materials from landfills to composting or anaerobic digestion. The law encourages food donation before recycling any remaining organic waste. Local departments and organizations are providing assistance to help businesses comply and reduce food waste.

CLC Opens Golf Outing

Registration Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County (CLC) is accepting registrations for its 9th Annual Golf Outing on May 29 at The Stanwich Club in Greenwich, Connecticut. The event includes a shotgun start at 9 a.m., breakfast, greens fees, contests, and a luncheon, with proceeds supporting early childhood education programs. Sponsorship opportunities are available, and registration details can be found at https://bit.ly/CLC2025GolfOuting

Breed Family Continues Ice Cream Tradition

The Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich held its 17th annual Valentine’s Day Ice Cream Social in honor of Rebecca Breed, a former First Selectman and BGCG’s 2019 Champion of Youth. The event, made possible by the Breed family’s continued support, allowed children to enjoy a variety of ice cream and toppings. Over 200 attendees participated, celebrating the tradition and Breed’s ongoing impact on the community.

Lions Club Pancake Breakfast Supports Community

The Lions Club of Greenwich will hold its 62nd annual pancake breakfast on Saturday, March 8, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Greenwich High School Student Center. The event will offer unlimited pancakes, sausages, and drinks, along with entertainment, a bake sale, and free eye screenings for children. Proceeds will support the club’s local and regional service projects, with tickets available in advance or at the door.

Photo Credit: First Selectman Camillo’s Community Connections

Safety Town Registration Now Open

The American Red Cross Metro New York North Chapter is offering its annual Safety Town program for children entering kindergarten and first grade. The weeklong course, held at the Dorothy Hamill Rink in two sessions from June 16–20 and June 23–27, teaches safety and accident prevention through classroom instruction and hands-on activities. Registration is open until May 30, with details available online or via email at SafetyTown.GNY@redcross.org.

Temple Sholom Hosts Mitzvah Day

On February 2, Temple Sholom held its annual Mitzvah Day with over 200 volunteers participating in various service projects. The volunteers worked on tasks benefiting local organizations in Greenwich and international causes, including meal preparation, assembling toiletry packs, sorting food, and crafting items for Israel. The event was organized by the Norma Perlsteinz’l Social Action Committee and focused on *tikkun olam*, or “repairing the world.”

Fundraiser Supports LGBTQ+ Community Resources

Christian Meskers is co-hosting a fundraiser for Triangle Community Center (TCC), a nonprofit that supports the LGBTQ+ community in Fairfield County, on March 1 at Troupe429 in Norwalk. The event is free, but donations will support TCC’s programs, including food, housing, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals. The fundraiser is also partnered with the Leonard-Litz LGBTQ+ Foundation, which provides grants for various community initiatives.

ACME Donations Support Food Banks

Recent donations from ACME and Kings stores in Greenwich, Riverside, and Old Greenwich totaled $3,000 to support food banks and meal distribution programs.

PEOPLE IN TOWN

Photo Credit: Jessica Reid

Kevin McCarthy Retires After 27 Years

Kevin McCarthy retired after 27 years as director of the Perrot Memorial Library in Old Greenwich. Trish Tomlinson has succeeded him as the new director. February 3 was declared Kevin McCarthy Day in recognition of his service.

Pollinator Pathway Supports Habitat Protection

Donna Merrill, founder of Pollinator Pathway, will give a presentation on March 4, 2025, at the Greenwich Library Black Box Theatre at 7:00 p.m. The talk will cover the importance of pollinators and steps to support their habitats. Registration is required, and attendees will receive a free native seed ball. Register here: https://greenwichlibrary.libcal.com/event/13182230

SCHOOLS

GA Spreads Love and Appreciation

Ahead of Valentine’s Day, Greenwich Academy students made cards for patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering, faculty, and staff. Upper School students delivered cards to the dining, facilities, and security teams. The school participated in various acts of appreciation across its community.

Donations Support Summer Meal Program

Greenwich Public Schools received 120 $25 gift cards from the Nourishing Neighbors Program and GENYouth. These cards will help fund Neighbor to Neighbor’s Summer Supplement Program, which assists over 300 families during the summer months.

SPORTS

Photo Credit: Dan Utzinger

GHS Girls Basketball Prepares for Tournament

Greenwich High School’s girls basketball team secured a 47-26 victory over Fairfield Warde on Feb. 17, improving their record to 18-1 overall and 13-1 in the FCIAC. Freshman Zuri Faison led the way with 18 points, while Madi Utzinger added 12 and Mikayla Kiernan scored nine. With the win, the Cardinals are in second place in the FCIAC and will enter the FCIAC Tournament as the No. 2 seed.

Photo Credit: David Fierro

Greenwich Clinches Fourth Straight Win

Greenwich High School boys basketball team secured a 59-58 victory over Fairfield Warde on Feb. 17, 2025, marking their fourth consecutive win. The Cardinals, led by Matt Maloney’s 25 points and Sandro Scott’s 18, held off a late surge from Warde after a tight contest. With an 11-8 overall record and 9-5 in the FCIAC, Greenwich heads into the FCIAC Tournament, having built confidence from recent close wins.

Photo Credit: Dan Utzinger

GHS Girls Basketball Victory vs Westhill

Greenwich High School’s girls basketball team defeated Westhill 40-8 on Feb. 14, improving their record to 17-1. The win puts them in a three-way tie with Ridgefield and Fairfield Warde for first place in the FCIAC, with two regular season games remaining. The team’s balanced scoring and strong defense were key to the victory.

Photo Credit: David Fierro

GHS Boys Basketball Continues Winning Streak

Greenwich High’s boys basketball team has won three consecutive games and six of their last seven, with an overall record of 10-8 and an 8-5 mark in the FCIAC. In a recent 60-42 victory over Westhill, senior Matt Maloney scored 25 points, and junior Sandro Scott added 18, helping to extend their win streak. With two regular season games remaining, the Cardinals are aiming for a top-six finish in the FCIAC to qualify for the postseason.

Photo Credit: Brunswick School

Brunswick Hockey Triumphs in Crucial Victory

Brunswick School’s hockey team won 3-2 over Berkshire School on Feb. 15, securing their 21st victory of the season. The Bruins trailed 2-1 after the second period but rallied in the third with goals from Cam Minella and Oliver Czaja. With two weeks left in the regular season, Brunswick holds the sixth seed for the Elite 8 Hockey Tournament.

Photo Credit: Greenwich Sports Beat

Brunswick Wrestling Earns Impressive Second

Brunswick School’s wrestling team placed second at the 202 5 WNEISWA East Championships, earning 233.5 points. Junior co-captain Jack Degl won the 165-pound title and was named the tournament’s most outstanding wrestler. Five other Brunswick wrestlers secured second-place finishes, and all 14 team members placed in the top four in their weight classes.

Photo Credit: David Fierro

Tigers Rally to Victory Over GA

The Greenwich Country Day School girls basketball team struggled early in the 2024-2025 season, but has since found a rhythm, winning six of their last seven games. With a 7-11 overall record and a 3-4 mark in the Fairchester Athletic Association, they are now in fifth place as the league tournament approaches. Their most recent victory, a 64-30 win over Greenwich Academy, showcased their dominant play, with Brianna McDermott scoring 19 points to lead the way.

GHS Boys Basketball Eyes Playoffs

Greenwich High School’s boys basketball team has an 8-8 record with four games remaining, including three FCIAC matchups. The Cardinals are in sixth place in the FCIAC and are aiming for a spot in the FCIAC and CIAC Division II tournaments. Their recent performance includes a 61- 44 victory over Norwalk and a 61-55 win against Stamford, with standout performances from Matt Maloney and Sandro Scott.

FROM HARTFORD

Governor Proposes Expanded Property Tax Relief

Governor Ned Lamont’s fiscal year 2026/2027 budget proposal includes raising the property tax credit to $350 and expanding eligibility to more income tax filers, benefiting around 800,000 taxpayers with $85 million in relief. The full credit will be available to single filers earning up to $70,000 and joint filers earning up to $100,000, with a phase-out for higher incomes. The proposal is currently under review by the legislature’s Appropriations and Finance Committees.

ACROSS CT

Rescued Seal Pup

A gray seal pup found on Chapel Street in New Haven is recovering at Mystic Aquarium after being rescued by aquarium staff and state officials. The underweight and dehydrated seal is on a specialized treatment plan and receiving a diluted fish formula. Officials plan to release the seal back into the wild once it recovers.

OUR NEIGHBORS

Photo Credit: Beardsley Zoo

Baby Anteater Named Kayapó After Vote

The baby Giant Anteater has been named Kayapó, after the Indigenous people of Brazil. Kayapó is active, climbing and exploring with the guidance of her mother, Pana. The name reflects the connection between wildlife and conservation efforts.

I-95 Busiest Commute

Interstate 95 southbound through Stamford is now the busiest interstate corridor in the U.S., with drivers losing about 150 hours annually due to congestion, according to INRIX’s 2024 report. The Connecticut Department of Transportation plans to add auxiliary lanes between Exits 6 and 7 by year’s end and is conducting long-term studies for further improvements.

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