POLICE & FIRE
Detective Weissauer Retires
Detective First Grade William Weissauer is retiring from the Greenwich Police Department after 30 years of service. Over his career, he received 33 Letters of Commendation and multiple awards, including the Dr. John Clarke Officer of the Year Award from the Greenwich Lions Club.
K-9 Arrow Celebrates Second Birthday
Earlier this week, K-9 Arrow turned two and spent his birthday with K-9 Officer Franco and his family. Photographer Bob Capazzo captured the celebration.
GPD Hiring Officers
The Greenwich Police Department is hiring entry-level police officers and accepting applications until March 31. These full-time positions include salary and benefits. More details and application materials are available at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/greenwichct?keywords=police
FROM TOWN HALL
Greenwich Honors Red Cross Efforts
Greenwich held a ceremony at Town Hall on March 3 to recognize the American Red Cross’ Metro New York North Chapter, declared March as American Red Cross Month, and raised the organization’s flag. Over the past year, the chapter responded to more than 100 local disasters, installed over 2,000 free smoke alarms, trained nearly 9,800 residents in first aid and CPR, and educated around 2,300 people in emergency preparedness. It also provided blood to hospitals and more than 3,000 support services to military members, veterans, and their families.
Parks & Rec. Seeks Sponsors for Events
Greenwich is seeking sponsors for the spring and summer 2025 season, including team sponsorships and events such as the Summer Concert Series, Fourth of July Fireworks, Outdoor Family Movie Nights, and the Sandblast Festival. Sponsors will be included in advertisements, press releases, the recreation sports webpage, and the Parks and Recreation newsletter. To apply, complete the Sponsorship Interest Form at https://www.greenwichct.gov/FormCenter/Parks-and-Rec-29/Sponsorship-Interest-Form-519
Greenwich Outdoor Dining Proposal
Greenwich officials have proposed reinstating outdoor dining on Greenwich Avenue from May 23 to October 19, the shortest season since the program was formalized. Restaurants can rent up to four parking spaces each, with fees set at $1,536 per space and $35 per linear foot for barriers, though officials are considering increasing the barrier fee to $47 to fully cover costs. The Board of Selectmen will review the proposal again on March 10 after public feedback.
AROUND TOWN
Skatepark Set To Reopen Late March
If conditions allow, the Greenwich Skatepark is set to reopen for weekend sessions by late March. The Department of Parks and Recreation will provide further updates as the date approaches.
Greenwich Plans Critical Sewer Upgrade
Greenwich Tree Warden Dr. Greg Kramer held a hearing regarding the Sewer Division’s request to remove 18 trees along Booth Court to replace a deteriorating sewer line from the 1930s. Engineers stated that alternative methods were not feasible due to subsurface conditions, and failure to replace the pipe could lead to sewage overflow into Tom’s Brook. Concerns were raised about potential flooding and soil contamination, and Dr. Kramer will issue a decision within three business days, with a 10-day appeal period.
Glenville Road Reopens After Break
Glenville Road at Calhoun Drive reopened Friday after a gas line break closed it for about two hours, according to Greenwich police. The cause of the break was not immediately available Friday evening.
Liberty Tree Planted in Greenwich
On February 26, 1779, General Israel Putnam escaped British troops by riding his horse down a steep hill, now known as Putnam Hill Park in Greenwich. To mark the anniversary, the Greenwich Tree Conservancy, the Town of Greenwich, and the Sons of the American Revolution planted a Liberty Tree as part of a national effort to plant 250 trees before the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026. The tree, a disease-resistant Jefferson elm, is the 123rd planted in the initiative.
Office Building Conversion Moves Forward
A developer has submitted revised plans to convert a vacant office building at Greenwich Office Park into 46 condominium units, increasing from the 34 units proposed last year. The updated design includes a four-story residential structure with an underground parking garage, new balconies, and a glass atrium, while a single-family home on the property will remain. The proposal includes two moderate-income units and a payment toward affordable housing elsewhere in town, with the Planning & Zoning Commission set to review it in the coming weeks.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Art and Flowers Unite Community
Coffee for Good in Greenwich, CT, will host an art exhibition from late March through June 2025, featuring paintings by artists from the Maggie Daly Arts Cooperative (MDAC). The Little Garden Club of Rye will create floral arrangements inspired by the artwork, which will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting MDAC and Coffee for Good. A selected piece from the exhibit will serve as the basis for a floral competition at the Greenwich Daffodil Show on April 23-24 at Christ Church Greenwich.
Greenwich Hospital Hosts Rare Disease Event
Greenwich Hospital hosted the town’s sixth annual Rare Disease Awareness Day, where First Selectman Fred Camillo issued a proclamation recognizing the event. Representatives from local nonprofits and the hospital highlighted the need for funding and research for rare diseases, which affect fewer than 200,000 people each. The event, previously held at Town Hall, was relocated to the hospital to expand its reach and impact.
Greenwich Town Party Lottery Opens
The Greenwich Town Party will take place on May 24, 2025, at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Greenwich residents and employees can enter an online lottery for $100 Community Tickets from March 4 to March 24, with winners randomly selected and charged automatically unless they opt out. Higher-tier Neighbor Tickets ($500) and Sponsor Passes (starting at $1,500) offer additional amenities and are available for purchase by Greenwich residents, business owners, and employees.
Thasunda Duckett Honored at Benefit
Person to Person (P2P) will honor Thasunda Brown Duckett, President and CEO of TIAA, at its Rising Together benefit on April 4 at Serafresca in Stamford. Duckett leads TIAA, a Fortune 100 financial services company, and serves on multiple boards, including NIKE, Inc. and Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights. The event will support P2P’s programs, featuring a performance by Chanté Moore and hosted by CBS NY anchor Cindy Hsu.
ABC Carpet & Home Expands
ABC Carpet & Home will open later this month at 181 Greenwich Avenue, formerly occupied by Brooks Brothers and Express Edit. The 12,500-square-foot store will offer rugs, furniture, and home décor, expanding beyond its Manhattan flagship and Brooklyn outlet. The company, which began as a pushcart business in the late 19th century, announced new ownership after bankruptcy in 2021.
Domenick’s Pizza Opens in Byram
Domenick’s Pizza has opened at 226 Mill St. in Byram, offering New York-style pizza, Italian sandwiches, pasta dishes, and other menu items influenced by owner Domenick Pisano Jr.’s previous businesses. The pizzeria provides dine-in seating, takeout, and delivery through major platforms. The opening is part of a series of recent business developments in the area.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Bob McKnight Remembered for Service
Bob McKnight, a decorated Vietnam War veteran and former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant, served in Greenwich’s Representative Town Meeting since 1996 and was active in the Byram Neighborhood Association. He was a longtime advocate for his community and participated in local organizations. His passing last week marks the loss of a dedicated public servant.
Greenwich Mourns Visionary EMS Leader
Charlee Tufts, the founding executive director of Greenwich Emergency Medical Service (GEMS), played a key role in establishing the town’s ambulance corps. She and other founders spent years securing approval from local officials to create the service, which has since become a model for emergency response. Under her leadership, GEMS grew into a vital organization that continues to operate today.
Warzoha Joins U.S. Education Department
Stephen Warzoha, vice chair of the Greenwich Republican Town Committee, has been appointed as the U.S. Department of Education’s White House liaison. He previously worked on transition teams for President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance. Warzoha will serve under newly confirmed Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, a longtime Greenwich resident and former head of the Small Business Administration.
Ella Calise Wins Third Gold
Ella Calise ’28 won gold in Cadet Women’s Foil at the National Tournament in Kansas City and Junior Women’s Foil at the USA Junior Olympics in North Carolina, establishing herself among the nation’s top fencers under 17. She then competed internationally in Poland with the USA Cadet Fencing Team, earning another gold medal. A student at Sacred Heart Greenwich, she balances academics with competitive fencing at the national and international levels.
SCHOOLS
January Difference Makers Named
Greenwich Public Schools named 59 employees as “Difference Makers” for January, recognizing staff for their impact on students, colleagues, and the community. The monthly award is open to all full- and part-time GPS employees in good standing and is based on a single action, ongoing effort, or daily contributions. Each school holds a recognition ceremony, and nominations are accepted online from students, families, colleagues, and community members.
Students Impact Through Filmmaking
Sacred Heart Greenwich’s Advanced Real-World Filmmaking students partnered with Impact FFC to produce documentaries on 17 nonprofit organizations that received grants over the past decade. Through interviews, on-site filming, and editing, they documented efforts addressing homelessness, food insecurity, education, healthcare, and social equity. The project aimed to highlight the work of these organizations and increase awareness.
Educators Enhance Language Assessment Strategies
Veronica Valentín, World Languages Program Lead at Greenwich Country Day School, led two workshops at the CAIS World Languages Evening on implementing Integrated Performance Assessments (IPAs) in language instruction. The sessions focused on strategies for using IPAs to support student language development. Educators gained methods to integrate these assessments into their teaching.
Brunswick Wins MathCounts
Brunswick’s Middle school math team won the Connecticut State MathCounts competition.
Eagle Hill Presents “Finding Nemo”
Eagle Hill School staged a production of Finding Nemo, featuring a cast and crew who brought the story to life with acting, set design, and technical execution. Directors Mrs. Stewart, Mrs. Kozel, and Ms. Colmenares led the production, with Mrs. Jupiter overseeing set design and the stage crew managing logistics. The school community supported the performance.
Whitby Students Excel at Model UN
Fifteen Whitby students participated in the William & Mary Middle School Model United Nations alongside nearly 600 students. They engaged in discussions on global issues and practiced diplomatic negotiation. The event focused on critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Socks for Sam Campaign Grows
Western Middle School’s “Socks for Sam” campaign raises awareness and funds for Vanishing White Matter Disease, a rare and terminal neurological disorder. The initiative, which began with a student wearing mismatched socks, has expanded globally through social media, fiber artists, and sponsors donating handknit socks for resale. Proceeds support the Vanishing White Matter Families Foundation, with Mismatched Day on April 3 serving as the main fundraising event.
SPORTS
Greenwich Cheerleaders Capture State Title
Greenwich High School’s varsity cheerleading team won the Class LL State Championship on March 1 at Trumbull High School with a score of 98.5, the highest among 96 teams across four divisions. This follows their FCIAC title win in February, marking their first state championship in 18 years. The team will compete at the Team of the Year State Opens on March 8 and the New England Regionals on March 22.
SHG Secures Championship
Sacred Heart Greenwich won its second consecutive FAA Tournament title with a 55-34 victory over St. Luke’s, overcoming an early deficit with a dominant second half. Junior guard Ava Curto led the Tigers with 19 points off the bench, while Jadamarie Henry and Eva Wilkerson added 12 and 11 points, respectively. SHG, which finished the FAA season undefeated, now turns its focus to the NEPSAC Class A Tournament.
SHG Advances to Finals
Sacred Heart Greenwich will defend its FAA Tournament title against St. Luke’s after defeating Hamden Hall, 65-58, in the semifinals. Led by standout performances from Jadamarie Henry and Eva Wilkerson, the top-seeded Tigers built a commanding third-quarter lead before holding off a late Hamden Hall surge. Undefeated in league play, Sacred Heart seeks to extend its dominance over second-seeded St. Luke’s, which it previously defeated in the regular season and last year’s championship game.
Cardinals Prepare for State Tournament
Greenwich High School’s boys basketball team overcame a slow start to finish the regular season strong, earning a spot in the FCIAC Tournament as the No. 4 seed. The Cardinals fell in a narrow 51-50 loss to Fairfield Warde in the quarterfinals despite leading for most of the game. Now, Greenwich shifts its focus to the CIAC Division II State Tournament, where it will face Hall High School in the opening round on March 3.
LOCAL POLITICS
Greenwich Police Maintain Effective Patrols
A petition to reinstate traffic-directing police officers on Greenwich Avenue was withdrawn from the March 10 Representative Town Meeting agenda, halting formal discussion. Police Chief James Heavey defended the current deployment of bike-mounted and plainclothes officers, citing their effectiveness in crime prevention and resource allocation. The town has pursued alternative traffic management strategies, including intersection modifications, while previous attempts to reinstate officers were rejected. See Chief Heavey’s Column in this week’s issue.
FROM HARTFORD
CT Supports Displaced Federal Workers
The Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) has consolidated resources to assist state residents who have lost federal government jobs, providing unemployment guidance, career services, and job placement support. A dedicated webpage offers information on filing for unemployment, job fairs, and transition assistance. CTDOL warns jobseekers about fraud and advises those receiving severance to delay filing until payments end.
ACROSS CT
Federal Budget Cuts Impact Connecticut
A proposed federal budget includes $1.5 trillion in spending cuts over ten years, impacting Medicaid, food assistance, and early childhood education. Connecticut residents relying on these programs could face reduced benefits or loss of coverage. Supporters cite government efficiency, while opponents warn states may struggle to cover funding gaps.
OUR NEIGHBORS
CT Rules in Favor of New Canaan Housing
A Connecticut Superior Court ruled in favor of New Canaan, upholding the town’s rejection of an affordable housing proposal at 51 Main Street and affirming its housing moratorium. The court determined that preserving the historic Red Cross building outweighed affordable housing requirements, while the state Department of Housing denied a request to revoke the moratorium. Developer Karp Associates, which has multiple pending 8-30g applications, plans to appeal both rulings. See NewCanaanSentinel.com for the full story.
