News Briefs: May 9

POLICE & FIRE

Photo Credit: Greenwich Police Department

Detectives Graduate Fairfield County Program

Detectives Arrington, Ciarleglio, Su Ah Sor, Rosario, Daly, and CIO Diaz completed the 63rd Annual Detective School organized by the Fairfield County Detective Conference. The two-week program focused on investigative training and professional development. They will now begin their assignments in the Detective Division.

Photo Credit: Greenwich Police Department

Officer Ruiz Joins Police Department

Officer Ruiz has completed his probationary period. He is now a full-time member of the Greenwich Police Department. His status is no longer provisional.

Greenwich Police Lead Major Seizure

Greenwich Police, in coordination with the DEA, conducted a year-long investigation that led to the arrests of two Stamford men for drug trafficking. Authorities intercepted shipments containing fentanyl and methamphetamine sent from California to Connecticut, including a kilogram of fentanyl and approximately 30,000 pills. The operation resulted in the seizure of 60 pounds of methamphetamine and 5 kilograms of fentanyl.

FROM TOWN HALL

Photo Credit: Bob Capazzo

Greenwich Honors Korean War Veterans

Greenwich held a ceremony at Town Hall to recognize Korean War-era veterans and their families. The event included remarks from local and state officials, participation from the police honor guard, and musical and ceremonial contributions. Veterans who were not present can still receive commendations by contacting the First Selectman’s office.

Greenwich Launches Community Donation Drive

Greenwich’s Department of Public Works is collecting non-perishable food and household items for Neighbor to Neighbor through May 31. Donations can be dropped off in designated bins at Town Hall or made online. The drive is part of National Public Works Week, observed May 18–24.

Greenwich Advances Quiet Summer Initiative

Greenwich will begin enforcing a summer ban on gasoline-powered leaf blowers in residential zones under two acres starting the Friday before Memorial Day through September 30. After a one-year exemption, town departments must now comply, though funding for electric replacements was denied by the BET. The Departments of Public Works and Parks & Recreation plan to reallocate existing funds to purchase a limited number of electric blowers.

AROUND TOWN

Greenwich Honors Memorial Day Traditions

Greenwich will observe Memorial Day with ceremonies and parades from May 24 to May 26. Events include services by local veterans’ groups, parades in Cos Cob, Byram, Glenville, and Old Greenwich, and the 61st Jim Fixx Memorial Day Races. The Greenwich Town Party is also scheduled for May 24.

Cos Cob May Fair Returns

The Cos Cob May Fair will mark its 70th anniversary with events on Friday, May 16, from 3:45 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, May 17, from 3 to 9 p.m., at Cos Cob School. The fair will feature rides, games, and food, with proceeds benefiting the school’s PTA and student programs. If it rains, the event will move to Sunday, May 18, from 12 to 5 p.m.

Greenwich Hosts Hazardous Waste Collection

Greenwich will hold its Household Hazardous Waste Collection on Saturday, May 10, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Island Beach Parking Lot on Arch Street. Residents can drop off items like paint, pesticides, and fuels, but commercial waste and certain materials such as asbestos and explosives will not be accepted. For details, residents can contact the Greenwich Department of Health or Department of Public Works.

LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS

Greenwich Hosts Awesome Tree Contest

The Greenwich Tree Conservancy is holding its 8th Awesome Tree Contest, accepting original photographs, artwork, and poems focused on trees. Entries must be created in Greenwich, with one submission allowed per category and up to three categories per person. Winners will be announced at the awards reception on June 8, 2025, and all entries will be displayed; the submission deadline is May 16, 2025. Photo Credit: Greenwich Tree Conservancy, River House Adult Day Care

BGCC Clubhouse Expansion Campaign Launches

The Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich has launched its Building Great Futures capital campaign to renovate and expand its Clubhouse. The project includes new academic spaces, a regulation gym, teen center, café, upgraded studios, outdoor facilities, and safety systems. The renovated building will be named the Rebecca S. Breed Clubhouse in recognition of her long-term service.

Yale Doctors Earn Top Honors

A total of 870 physicians affiliated with Yale New Haven Health System were named to Connecticut Magazine’s 2025 “Top Doctors” list, including 114 from Greenwich Hospital. The list, compiled with Castle Connolly, is based on peer nominations and independent review of credentials, training, and performance. Doctors cannot pay to be included.

Civility Talk Highlights Political Unity

Christ Church Greenwich will host Susan Herbst, Professor of Political Science and President Emeritus at the University of Connecticut, for a free talk and breakfast on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 8:30–10:00 a.m. Her lecture, titled “Civility in Turbulent Times and the Future of American Politics,” will address political polarization and the role of public discourse in current U.S. politics. The event is open to all and will take place at the Tomes-Higgins House on the Christ Church campus.

Art Sale Supports Veteran Relief

The Sorokin Gallery in Greenwich is hosting an art sale until May 31 featuring donated works by local and international artists, including Dario Campanile. All proceeds will go to End Veteran Debt and local initiatives supporting veterans. The campaign, “Operation Debt-Day,” aims to raise $50,000 to relieve $1 million in veteran debt and fund local support services.

PEOPLE IN TOWN

Brenda Maher. Photo Credit: Berkshire Hathaway

Brenda Maher Named Regional President

Brenda Maher has been appointed President of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England and New York Properties, overseeing operations in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Westchester, and the Hudson Valley. She joined the company in 2010 and previously served as Senior Vice President and General Manager. Her role will focus on managing daily operations and supporting the brokerage’s growth and community presence.

Retired Firefighter Wins Lottery Jackpot

Patrick Gordiski, a retired Greenwich firefighter and 911 first responder, won $500,000 from a CT Lottery scratch-off game after revealing a “V” on his ticket purchased at Byram Smoke Shop. The shop received a $5,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket. The CT Lottery reported over $1.1 billion in player winnings and a $387 million contribution to the state’s General Fund in fiscal year 2024.

SCHOOLS

Fifth Graders Build Outdoor Republic

A group of fifth-grade boys at North Street School in Greenwich, Connecticut, have created a self-organized play society during recess called the “Pinecone Republic.” Using natural materials, they built structures and developed systems for government, law, economy, and infrastructure. The project emerged independently through unstructured outdoor play.

Photo Credit: Greenwich Academy

GA Students Discover Promising Soil Microbes

Greenwich Academy’s Science Research course spent the year isolating and analyzing soil microbes with potential antimicrobial properties. They conducted both individual and group lab work, held workshops for younger students, and presented their research findings to an audience. The project focused on microbial identification and data collection through hands-on experimentation.

Ben Van Leeuwen. Photo Credit: Krista Schlueter

Ben Van Leeuwen To Speak

Greenwich High School has announced that Ben Van Leeuwen, co-founder and CEO of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream and a 2002 graduate, will deliver the 2025 commencement address. The ceremony is scheduled for 5:00 PM on Tuesday, June 17 at Cardinal Stadium. Van Leeuwen founded his company in 2008 after college and an early job in ice cream, growing it from a New York City truck into a national brand.

Whitby Students Earn National Honors

Three Whitby Lower School students earned national recognition from the Continental Math League for achieving perfect scores in all competitions during the 2024–2025 season. Archie (grade 2) was one of 54 students nationwide to do so in his grade, Leela (grade 3) was one of 31, and Vivian (grade 4) was one of 21. Their results place them among the top scorers in the country for their respective grades.

GA Students Celebrate Daffodil Success

Each spring, students at Greenwich Academy participate in the Greenwich Daffodil Society’s annual show. They plant daffodil bulbs in the fall, harvest them in the spring, and bring them to Christ Church for judging. Awards are given based on the entries.

Greenwich Extends Superintendent Contract

The Greenwich Board of Education voted 5–3 to extend Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones’ contract through June 30, 2028. Dr. Jones was originally hired in 2019 and her previous contract was set to expire in 2026.

Brunswick Proposes New Training Facility

Brunswick School has submitted a pre-application to the Greenwich Planning & Zoning Commission to build a 74,000-square-foot indoor sports training facility on its 43-acre campus, spanning two properties acquired in 2017. The proposed facility would be used for gym classes and team practices, primarily by middle and upper school students, with no matches or spectators planned. The project is scheduled for discussion during the June 6, 2025 commission meeting.

GPS Honors Outstanding Staff

Greenwich Public Schools named 53 employees as April recipients of the GPS Difference Maker Award, which recognizes full- or part-time staff for significant contributions to the school community. The award is given monthly based on nominations from students, families, staff, or community members. Honorees are recognized within their school buildings through certificates and acknowledgments.

SPORTS

GHS Cheer Team Makes History

The Greenwich High School Cheer Team won three major titles this season: the FCIAC Championship, the CIAC State Championship, and the D1 New England Interscholastic Spirit Championship—the first time a Connecticut team has won the latter. State Senator Ryan Fazio and Representative Tina Courpas formally recognized the team and coaching staff for their accomplishments. The team was also acknowledged by Greenwich High School’s athletic director.

Photo Credit: Tara Shea Bacigalupo

Tigers Dominate With Team Unity

Sacred Heart Greenwich’s Varsity A lacrosse team bounced back from a loss to Ridgefield with a dominant 16-6 win over Phillips Exeter Academy, improving their record to 11-2. Freshman Peyla Carcaterra led the scoring with five goals, while the team’s strong draw control and cohesive offense drove the victory. Players and coaches emphasized improved teamwork, possession control, and disciplined defense as keys to their success.

Photo Credit: David Fierro

Cardinals Stage Thrilling Comeback Victory

Greenwich High School’s varsity baseball team rallied from a 4-0 deficit in the sixth inning to defeat Trumbull 5-4, powered by clutch hits from Jake Melley and Tommy Powers and strong relief pitching. The win ended a two-game skid for the Cardinals and improved their conference record to 2-4. Despite a dominant start from Trumbull’s Andrew Valentino, Greenwich capitalized on walks and timely hits to mount the comeback.

GHS Lacrosse Secures Home Victories

Following a demanding stretch of road games, the Greenwich High School boys varsity lacrosse team secured two key home victories, defeating Joel Barlow 13-6 and Fairfield Ludlowe 9-8. Standout performances came from Mikey Brescia, Dean Kim, and Boden Farmer, with strong defensive play and goaltending helping seal both wins. Now riding a four-game winning streak, the Cardinals hold a 6-4 overall record and look ahead to critical FCIAC matchups.

Brunswick Baseball Streaks Toward Championship

Brunswick School’s varsity baseball team sits atop the FAA standings with a 10-2 league record and a seven-game win streak, including back-to-back victories over rival Hamden Hall. Sophomore pitcher Johnny Gally led a 3-0 shutout with six dominant innings, while closer Ty Ostrowski secured the win with a three-strikeout save. With two FAA games remaining, the Bruins aim to maintain first place heading into the tournament.

Photo Credit: 06878 Photography by Antonio Monteiro

Cardinals Defeat Fairfield Prep Rugby

Greenwich High School’s varsity boys rugby team defeated rival Fairfield Prep 43-12 in their first home game of the season on April 25. Led by standout performances from Flois Van de Rotte, Julen Guazo-Badiola, and Benja Gonzales-Lobo, the Cardinals took control after an early deficit and dominated both halves. The win followed their qualification for the Boys High School National Championships and showcased strong teamwork and execution across the field.

Greenwich Girls Tennis Stays Perfect

The Greenwich High School girls tennis team improved to 9-0 after a dominant 3-0 week, including 7-0 sweeps over Darien and Danbury. Strong singles and doubles performances, particularly from Shining Sun, Caitlin Mahoney, Izzy Everett, and the duo of Emmy Pecorin and Maddy Wilber, led the way. The Cardinals aim to maintain their unbeaten streak with upcoming matches against Stamford, Ridgefield, and Norwalk.

GHS Boys Tennis Remains Unbeaten

The Greenwich High School boys tennis team remained undefeated at 9-0 after defeating Trumbull, Darien, and Danbury in dominant fashion. Strong performances across both singles and doubles matches, including shutout wins and tight battles at the top singles spots, highlighted their continued success. The Cardinals have now extended their winning streak to 53 matches dating back to 2023.

Cardinals Shine Bright Despite Loss

Greenwich High School’s softball team lost 8-2 to New Canaan under the lights at Teufel Field on Youth Night but showed strong defensive play and promising offense. Despite early errors, sophomore pitcher Hannah Winig held her own, while standout performances came from Cameron Clark and Sydney Coyne, each hitting triples. The Cardinals bounced back with a 4-3 win over Staples, improving their record to 5-6 overall and 2-4 in the FCIAC.

GHS Girls Lacrosse Builds Momentum

After back-to-back losses, Greenwich High School’s girls lacrosse team rebounded with dominant FCIAC victories over Fairfield Warde (16-6) and Trumbull (16-4), improving their overall record to 5-5. Key performances included Dillon McFerran’s six goals, Aubrey Roth’s 100th career goal, and strong team play both offensively and defensively. The wins mark Greenwich’s first FCIAC triumphs of the season, boosting morale and momentum ahead of the postseason.

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