News Briefs: March 21

POLICE & FIRE

Photo Credit: Bob Capazzo

GPD to Host Benefit Car Show

The Greenwich Police Department Scholarship Fund Benefit Car Show will take place on June 7, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Town Hall, with a rain date of June 8. The event will feature classic, antique, cus – tom, and exotic vehicles, along with food trucks, a DJ, and a 50/50 raffle. Proceeds support scholarships for children of Greenwich Police officers, with vehicle registration fees and sponsorships contributing to the fund. Photo is 2024 Best in Show winner Al Small and his 1965 Chevy Corvette.

Photo Credit: Cos Cob Fire Police Patrol

Patrol Responds to Storm Damage

After a recent storm, Patrol 2 responded to multiple calls for downed trees and wires across town. Volunteer fire companies assist during high call volumes, allowing career fire engines to remain available. CCFPP, an all-volunteer fire service company, has served Greenwich since 1927 and is seeking new volunteers at recruitment@ ccfpp.org.

Police Union Contract Secures Raises

The Silver Shield Association and the town have finalized a three-year labor contract that includes annual wage increases of 2.75% in the first year and 2.95% in the second and third years. The agreement, covering July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2027, also raises employee healthcare contributions in the second and third years. The Representative Town Meeting approved the contract, which will cost approximately $93 million over three years.

FROM TOWN HALL

Left to right: Dr. Greg Kramer, Joe Siciliano, Sue Moretti Bodson, Nancy Chapin, Nell Solley. Contributed Photo

Mianus River Park Earth Day Beautification

The Town of Greenwich Parks and Recreation Foundation will host its third Earth Day beautification event at Mianus River Park on April 26 from 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will meet at the Cognewaugh Street entrance to plant trees, remove invasive species, clear debris, and reinforce trails, with tools provided.

Photo Credit: First Selectman Camillo Community Connections

Staircase Repairs Underway

The staircase behind Town Hall leading to Havemeyer Field and the running track is closed for repairs. The fields remain open and can be accessed through Greenwich Commons via Bolling Place. An update will be provided when the stairs reopen.

New Rink Task Force Moves Forward

A newly formed nine-member task force met for the first time to elect officers following the RTM’s rejection of the Municipal Improvement proposal for a new Hamill Rink. The group, organized by First Selectman Fred Camillo, will evaluate potential sites and costs for the project, with $24 million allocated in the 2027-2028 budget. The task force plans to meet weekly and will submit recommendations to the First Selectman’s office.

AROUND TOWN

Willow Oak to Replace Tree A mature honey locust tree outside Shreve, Crump & Low on Greenwich Avenue has been removed after an assessment determined that necessary sidewalk and drainage repairs would cause irreparable root damage. The town had previously explored alternatives to preserve the tree, but none were feasible while meeting safety and infrastructure requirements. A willow oak will be planted in its place.

Photo Credit: Greenwich Police Department

Playful Pup Bubba Needs Home

Bubba is a playful, sweet-natured dog who carries a toy wherever he goes, as if life is one big game. This neutered bully-breed mix, around two to three years old, is full of energy and affection. While his goofy charm makes him instantly lovable, he’d thrive with an experienced owner who understands his breed’s needs. To learn more or adopt Bubba, contact Greenwich Animal Control at 203- 622-8299 or visit the Greenwich Town website.

Jujitsu Studio Proposal Moves Forward

A martial arts studio is pro – posed for the long-vacant former Bank of America building at 30 S. Water St., requiring approval from the Planning & Zoning Commission. The project faces a parking shortfall, with 12 available spaces instead of the required 16. The commission has requested data on parking demand from a similar facility before proceeding with further review.

Bush Statue Project Seeks Alternatives

A plan to build a statue of former President George H.W. Bush in downtown Greenwich was rejected by the town’s Historic District Commission due to concerns about its impact on an existing World War I memorial. The project, which included a fountain, was funded by private donors, but financial support was contingent on the statue’s approval. First Selectman Fred Camillo is now considering alternative locations for the statue.

Town Targets Energy Efficiency Improvements

The town set a goal to cut energy costs by at least 20% but has only reduced usage by 2% since 2020, while energy spending has increased by 25%. A report from the Energy Management Advisory Committee (EMAC) found that while smaller energy-saving measures have been implemented, larger projects, like the $112 million Central Middle School rebuild, continue to rely on conventional energy systems.

LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS

Christ Church Greenwich Supports Families

Christ Church Greenwich is working to collect 1,500 dozen eggs to help families facing food insecurity. Organized by the church’s Outreach Committee, the effort depends on community support. Those who wish to contribute can purchase eggs online to help provide fresh food to those in need.

Biophilia Exhibit Opens at Flinn

The Flinn Gallery at Greenwich Library opened the exhibit Biophilia on Thursday, featuring works by six artists curated by Ellen Hawley. The exhibit explores the concept of biophilia, coined by biologist Edward O. Wilson, which refers to humanity’s connection to nature. Related programming includes an artist talk on March 30, a film screening on April 11, and a 3D-printed lamp project.

Photo Credit: First Selectman Camillo Community Connections

Greenwich Girl Scouts Lead Ceremony

At the March Representative Town Meeting, Greenwich Girl Scouts from North Street School and Central Middle School led the color guard before the meeting. The Girl Scouts and the League of Women Voters will host the second annual Women in Government event at Town Hall on April 6, inviting local government officials to meet with scouts. Girl Scout cookie shipments are expected to arrive in Connecticut this weekend.

Round Hill Music Co. Opens

Round Hill Music Co. will open in Greenwich this May, offering a retail space for high-end guitars, vinyl records, and music-related merchandise. Founded by Josh Gruss, CEO of Round Hill Music, the store combines instrument sales with curated vinyl sections and a live performance stage. It will also host in-store performances featuring artists from Round Hill Records, local musicians, and touring acts.

OG Drainage Project Progresses

The Old Greenwich drainage improvement project on Tomac Avenue, Harding Road, and Forest Avenue resumed on March 24. The final phase involved full-depth asphalt restoration on Harding Road near Fairfield Avenue, expected to last about two weeks. Work took place during the day, with temporary steel plates installed overnight to protect curing concrete.

Rothy’s Opening First Connecticut Store

Rothy’s will open its first Connecticut store at 238 Greenwich Ave., replacing Baccarat. The footwear and accessories brand, which launched online in 2016, now operates 26 physical locations. Rothy’s products are made from recycled materials and are machine washable.

PEOPLE IN TOWN

Frantz Donation Supports Greenwich Civic Center

L. Scott and Icy Frantz have pledged a donation to fund the gymnasium at the Cohen Eastern Greenwich Civic Center, pending approval from the Representative Town Meeting (RTM). The civic center, originally built in 1950 and demolished in 2022, was largely funded by a $5 million donation from the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation. The facility’s opening has been delayed, and an official date has not yet been announced.

Photo Credit: First Selectman Camillo Community Connections

Ruth Wilson Celebrates 107th Birthday

Ruth Wilson recently celebrated her 107th birthday. A former kindergarten teacher, she remains active online and continues to connect with others. She is widely recognized in Cos Cob for her long-standing presence in the community.

SCHOOLS

Holocaust Survivor Speaks at Whitby

Holocaust survivor Sami Steigmann spoke to Middle School students at Whitby School about his life and experiences. His visit connected with the seventh-grade curriculum, as students are reading Night by Elie Wiesel. He discussed resilience, positive thinking, and overcoming adversity.

SPORTS

Photo Credit: Dan Utzinger

Cardinals Shine in Historic Basketball Season

Greenwich High School’s girls varsity basketball program has had several standout seasons, including championship runs in the 1980s, a state finals appearance in 2016, and a deep tournament run in 2020. The 2024-2025 Cardinals continued that legacy with a dominant 19-1 regular season, an FCIAC West Division title, and a trip to the CIAC Class LL semifinals, where they fell 48-37 to Southington. Greenwich finished the season with a 21-3 record, marking one of the program’s most successful campaigns.

FROM HARTFORD

Attorneys General Defend Education Funding

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong and 20 other state attorneys general have sued the Trump administration to stop its plan to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, which includes cutting its workforce by 50%. The lawsuit argues that the administration lacks the legal authority to unilaterally shut down the department, which oversees federal education programs affecting millions of students. The attorneys general seek a court order to block the cuts, citing potential harm to education funding, civil rights protections, and financial aid processing.

ACROSS CT

Ticks Resurface in Connecticut

Ticks are emerging in Connecticut, including invasive species like the Asian longhorned tick, which carries multiple pathogens. With around 12 tick-borne diseases in the state, including R. parkeririckettsiosis and the Powassan virus, researchers are monitor – ing their spread. Residents are encouraged to check for ticks, use repellents, and submit specimens for testing if needed.

GM Motors Recall

General Motors is recalling 90,081 Cadillac and Chevrolet vehicles due to a transmission defect that may cause sudden wheel lock-up. Affected owners will receive notification letters starting April 21st, and GM will install monitoring software at no cost. Vehicle status can be checked at https://www.nhtsa.gov/

OUR NEIGHBORS

Phil Lesh Honored in Port Chester

Port Chester officially renamed the corner of Westchester Avenue and Broad Street Phil Lesh Lane on March 14, in honor of the Grateful Dead bassist’s 85th birthday. The location, outside The Capitol Theatre’s “Door 12” stage entrance, marks the spot where Lesh performed 106 times since the venue’s 2012 reopening. The ceremony featured Lesh’s son, Grahame Lesh, and a lineup of musicians, recognizing his long-standing connection to the theater and village.

UConn Plans BLVD Housing Conversion

The University of Connecticut plans to convert The BLVD apartment building in Stamford into student housing, allowing current tenants to stay until April 2026, with an option to terminate leases early without penalty. The sale is expected to close next month, with UConn able to lease vacant units by fall 2025 and fully transition the building by July 2026.

Related Posts
Loading...

Greenwich Sentinel Digital Edition

Stay informed with unlimited access to trusted, local reporting that shapes our community subscribe today and support the journalism that keeps you connected
$ 45 Yearly
  • Weekly Edition Of The Greenwich Sentinel Sent To Your Email
  • Access To Past Digital Issues Of The Sentinel
  • Equivalent To Spending 12 Cents a Day
Popular