News Briefs: August 22

POLICE & FIRE

Photo credit: Greenwich Police Department

Detective Completes Probationary Period Successfully

Detective Su Ah Sor has completed her six-month probationary period. She is assigned to the Special Victims Section, which investigates cases of sexual assault, child abuse, and other sensitive crimes. She continues to perform her duties in this unit.

Photo credit: Cos Cob Fire Police Patrol

Cos Cob Patrol Handles Major Accident

On Thursday, July 31, Cos Cob Fire Police Patrol 2 responded to a tractortrailer accident on Interstate 95, where the truck had jackknifed and blocked all southbound lanes. Patrol 2 worked for four hours alongside other emergency units to manage traffic and assist with hazardous materials mitigation. They coordinated operations to ensure safety and maintain roadway access.

Officers Recognized for Lifesaving Actions

MPO Michael B. O’Connor Jr. and Officer Alan P. Cybulski were named Greenwich Police Department Officers of the Month for July. O’Connor provided lifesaving aid to a 13-yearold struck by a car, and Cybulski revived a person experiencing an apparent overdose. Both officers acted effectively off duty, demonstrating skills credited with directly saving lives.

Greenwich Firehouse Mold Risk Addressed

Greenwich officials identified possible mold at the Cos Cob Firehouse and are conducting testing and remediation. Firefighters have been moved from living areas; career staff operate from the headquarters on Havemeyer Place, while volunteers use only the garage at Cos Cob. Updates will be provided as available, and inquiries can be sent to Assistant Chief Charlie Lubowicki.

Greenwich Police Caution Against Trend

Police in Greenwich are warning about a TikTok trend where people kick doors and run away. Authorities say the acts can cause property damage and lead to criminal charges. Two Maryland teenagers were recently arrested in connection with similar incidents tied to the trend.

FROM TOWN HALL

Photo credit: First Selectman Camillo’s Community Connections

Students Explore Town History Project

Two fifth-grade students from Horizons at Brunswick School visited Town Hall with their teacher as part of a photojournalism project. During the visit, they learned about the town’s history and the story behind its flag, which depicts General Israel Putnam’s Revolutionary War ride. Horizons at Brunswick is an enrichment program aimed at expanding educational opportunities and addressing summer learning loss.

Greenwich Reviews Pedestrian Safety Trial

The Greenwich Board of Selectmen discussed a proposed pedestrian safety trial on Route 1 in Byram at its August 14 meeting. The test project temporarily reduced traffic to one lane in each direction near Byram and Pemberwick Roads, running from mid-August through October 31. Officials said the trial was intended to gather data to inform a longer-term pedestrian safety plan.

Greenwich Pauses Route 1 Safety Plan

The Greenwich Board of Selectmen did not move forward with discussion or a vote on the proposed Route 1 pedestrian safety trial in Byram after the item was pulled from the agenda. The plan had called for a temporary two-month “road diet” reducing lanes near Byram and Pemberwick Roads to test traffic and safety impacts.

AROUND TOWN

Photo credit: Greenwich Police Department

Kittens Available for Adoption Now

Greenwich Animal Control currently has kittens from three litters available for adoption. Detailed information, including photos and names, is available on Petfinder through the Greenwich Animal Control website. For adoption inquiries, contact Greenwich Animal Control at 203-622-8299 or visit the town website.

Greenwich Hospital Hosts August Blood Drive

A blood drive will be held at Greenwich Hospital on August 25 from 8 AM to 5 PM to support the American Red Cross. The event was organized by Greenwich resident Phil Brous, with a goal of recruiting 50 donors. Advance registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.

Traffic Safety Awareness Month Promotes Safety

August is National Traffic Safety Awareness Month. It focuses on promoting safe driving, walking, and biking practices. The goal is to reduce traffic accidents and related injuries or deaths.

Photo credit: First Selectman Camillo’s Community Connections

Greenwich Celebrates ADA Anniversary Progress

On July 25, a ceremony at the Cohen Eastern Greenwich Civic Center marked the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Town departments showcased the center’s accessibility and reaffirmed their commitment to ADA compliance and inclusion in all projects. The event highlighted ongoing local efforts to ensure equal access for people with disabilities.

West Nile Virus Mosquitoes Detected Safely

Mosquitoes in Mianus River Park have tested positive for West Nile Virus, but no human cases have been reported in Greenwich. Residents are advised to remove standing water, use insect repellent, and avoid outdoor activity at dawn and dusk. The town conducts annual larvicide treatments on public and private basins and will continue mosquito monitoring through October.

Greenwich Murals Highlight History Anew

The Rediscover Greenwich self-guided walking tours on Greenwich Avenue end in August. The tours feature four murals by artist Aaron Asis, created in partnership with Untapped New York and the Greenwich Historical Society, using historic photos and oral histories to highlight the town’s past. Additional exhibitions are available at the Greenwich Historical Society campus in Cos Cob, including Re-Framing 95 and the Time Travelers KidStudio.

Greenwich Advances Bush Statue Plan

A proposal has been submitted to place a 7-foot bronze statue of former President George H.W. Bush, mounted on a 3-foot base, outside the Havemeyer Building on Greenwich Avenue. The Historic District Commission approved the design and location, which positions the statue between two existing war memorials and includes a plaque with Bush’s name, life dates, and service details. Funding, including installation and long-term maintenance, would be covered by private donations.

Greenwich Considers Lower Porchuck Speed

Greenwich officials are considering lowering the speed limit on Porchuck Road and North Porchuck Road from 25 mph to 20 mph to improve safety. The Department of Public Works cites the roads’ narrow widths, sharp curves, and existing advisory speeds as justification. Any change would require approval from the Connecticut Office of the State Traffic Administration.

Dolphins Spotted In Long Island

On August 10, a large pod of dolphins was spotted in Long Island Sound near Stamford and Island Beach. Officials estimated there were around 100 dolphins spread across multiple smaller groups. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection reminds the public it is illegal to disturb marine mammals and recommends maintaining at least 100 yards of distance.

Greenwich Community Television Moves Channel

Greenwich Community Television (GCTV) was moved from Channel 79 to Channel 1310 on Optimum’s lineup on August 21, 2025, as part of a broader channel reorganization. Its sister station, Greenwich Channel 78, which carries Board of Education programming, was shifted to Channel 1305. The change applied only to Optimum customers; viewers using Verizon Fios, AT&T, or GCTV’s YouTube stream were not affected.

Engagement of Ryan Fazio and Amy Orser

Mr. and Mrs. Henson and Susan Orser of New Canaan, CT are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Amy Orser, to State Senator Ryan Fazio, son of Mr. Michael Fazio and Ms. Madeline Fazio. Mr. Fazio proposed to Miss Orser in Waveny Park in New Canaan, the place of their first date. The couple shared that the setting made the occasion especially meaningful. “We’re over the moon and really happy about the life we get to build together,” said Senator Fazio. “We’ve been touched by all the well wishes, and announcing this was the most special thing I’ve ever done.” Senator Fazio represents Greenwich, Stamford, and New Canaan in the Connecticut State Senate. The couple has not yet set a wedding date.

LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS

Students Audition For Holiday Classic

Students in grades 7–12 can audition for the Open Arts Alliance’s fall radio stage production of It’s A Wonderful Life by submitting a video monologue by the September 8 deadline. The show replaces the previously scheduled Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The Greenwich-based nonprofit continues to promote arts education and will also stage Cinderella this fall.

Carol B. Cadou. Photo credit: Maria DeForrest

Carol Cadou Leads Greenwich Historical Society

Carol B. Cadou will become the Greenwich Historical Society’s executive director and CEO on August 25, succeeding Debra Mecky after her 30-year tenure. Cadou brings more than three decades of experience in museum leadership, historic preservation, and arts education. Her appointment coincides with preparations for the America 250 Greenwich celebration marking the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

Neighbor To Neighbor Restarts Clothing Program

Neighbor to Neighbor has launched a pilot program to provide clothing for Greenwich children, offering families monthly access to a clothing room. They are accepting new or gently used clothing in sizes 0–16, excluding socks, shoes, and underwear, on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Volunteers are needed to help sort donations on Wednesday and Friday mornings.

Photo credit: Bob Capazzo

Historic Mead House Reopens Strong

The Greenwich Audubon Center has completed the restoration of the historic Mead House, originally built in 1746, and reopened it on August 12. The project is part of the Center’s broader effort to restore its campus, which includes plans for additional buildings. A fundraising campaign will soon launch to support the next phase of the restoration.

Greenwich Clubhouse Reopens With Support

The Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich will reopen its renovated Clubhouse at 4 Horseneck Lane with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 8. Ahead of the reopening, the Greenwich Association of Realtors’ Community Affairs Committee has launched a campaign to provide school and sports equipment through an Amazon wish list. Community members can also support the project by purchasing commemorative bricks or making direct donations.

Bruce Museum Seeks Teen Docents

The Bruce Museum is accepting applications for its Junior Docent program, open to high school students in Greenwich, Fairfield, and Westchester Counties. Participants will gain experience by assisting with art and science programs, leading events, and learning from museum professionals. Applications are due by September 14 and details are available online.

Greenwich Hospital Achieves Advanced Stroke Certification

Greenwich Hospital’s Stroke Center has earned Advanced Primary Stroke Center Certification from The Joint Commission, confirming it meets national standards for stroke care. The certification recognizes the hospital’s ability to provide timely, evidence-based treatment, from diagnosis through rehabilitation. This designation assures the community access to high-quality stroke care, including clot-busting medications and minimally invasive procedures.

Greenwich Hospital Earns National Accreditation

Greenwich Hospital has earned a three-year accreditation from The Joint Commission for its adult and adolescent intensive outpatient programs. The approval followed a 60-day compliance review and an on-site survey evaluating patient care, treatment planning, risk management, and clinical quality. It is now the third hospital in the Yale New Haven Health System to receive this accreditation.

Greenwich Country Club Plans Expansion

Greenwich Country Club has submitted plans to the town’s Planning & Zoning Commission to expand its main clubhouse and fitness facility. The proposal includes a new squash court, expanded fitness areas, a larger kitchen, an extended porch with a colonnade, and a staff break room. Overall, the project would add 7,893 square feet to the facility.

Acme Market To Close October

Acme Market at 160 W. Putnam Ave. in Greenwich will close on or about Oct. 9, according to a state Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act filing. The closure affects 56 employees, who will be offered positions at other locations, though final placements are not yet determined. Staff will remain temporarily to assist with winding down operations.

PEOPLE IN TOWN

Greenwich Teen Wins Prestigious Scholarship

Justin Bernstein of Greenwich, Connecticut, was named a 2025 Davidson Fellow and awarded a $50,000 scholarship. His project developed a bioengineering method using genetically modified bacteria to increase Arctic ice reflectivity and slow melting. He is a first-year student at Yale University and the 2025 valedictorian of Greenwich High School.

Greenwich Students Share Classical Music

Four Greenwich High School students performed a one-hour classical music concert at The Wallace Center on August 14. The program featured a variety of pieces, highlighting the students’ musical skills on multiple instruments. The event, organized by Music Heals Minds, Inc., provided both cultural enrichment for seniors and performance experience for the students.

SCHOOLS

Tiffany Johnson. Photo credit: Greenwich Public Schools

Tiffany Johnson Named Assistant Principal

Tiffany Johnson has been appointed assistant principal of North Street School, effective August 8, replacing Jessica McEvily. Johnson previously worked in Brookfield Public Schools as a math interventionist and MTSS coordinator and spent over a decade teaching in Trumbull, Norwalk, and Brookfield. She holds degrees from Western Connecticut State University, Quinnipiac University, and Sacred Heart University.

Leah Stillman. (Photo credit: submitted by Greenwich Public Schools)

Greenwich Hires Experienced Arts Coordinator

Leah Stillman has been appointed PreK-12 arts program coordinator for Greenwich Public Schools, effective August 18. She will oversee the district’s visual, music, and theater programs across 15 schools and report to the Chief Officer of K-12 Curriculum and Leadership. Stillman has over 25 years of experience in arts education and administration, including previous roles in Madison Public Schools and several arts magnet schools in New London.

Photo credit: Greenwich Country Day School

GCDS Breaks Ground On Theater

Greenwich Country Day School has begun construction on the Amanda Gesine Winklevoss Performing Arts Center on its Stanwich Road campus. Designed by architect Lord Norman Foster, the 525-seat facility will feature advanced acoustics, lighting, rehearsal rooms, costume shops, and scene shops. The center is scheduled to open in 2027.

Dr. Kevin Thompson. Photo credit: submitted by Greenwich Public Schools

Greenwich School Appoints New Assistant Principal

Dr. Kevin Thompson has been appointed assistant principal of the International School at Dundee, effective immediately. He previously served as assistant head of upper elementary at Greenwich Country Day School and has teaching and administrative experience at multiple schools, including East End Academy and Greens Farms Academy. He holds a bachelor’s in Crime, Law & Justice, a master’s in Educational Leadership, and a Doctor of Education.

Greenwich Students Earn National Recognition

Two Greenwich Country Day School students were selected for publication in the National High School Law Review’s Summer 2025 issue. Penelope Hentsch-Cowles (’25) wrote on the relationship between machine learning and patent law, while Steele R.W. Barhydt (’26) analyzed the expansion of presidential power. Their work was chosen from submissions by more than 100 chapter schools, with only 12 articles published.

Greenwich Schools Expand Meal Access

Greenwich Public Schools announced its 2025–2026 policy for free and reduced-price meals under federal child nutrition programs, using U.S. Department of Agriculture income eligibility guidelines. Families may qualify automatically through programs such as SNAP, TFA, Medicaid (HUSKY A), or Summer EBT, or they may apply directly with required household and income information. Applications are confidential, may be submitted anytime, and eligibility can change if household size or income changes.

Central Middle School Construction Reaches Milestone

A signed steel beam was placed atop the new Central Middle School structure on Thursday, marking completion of the building’s steel frame. The $112 million, 125,000-square-foot facility is being built adjacent to the existing 1958 school, which will remain in use until the new one is ready. Construction is on schedule, with the new school expected to open before the 2026–27 academic year.

LOCAL POLITICS

Greenwich Republicans Prepare For Primary

A Republican primary for the Board of Estimate and Taxation will take place in Greenwich on September 9. Only registered Republicans may vote; unaffiliated voters must change their registration by noon on September 8. Absentee ballots will be available starting August 19, and early voting runs from September 2–7 at Town Hall.

Fazio Runs for Governor

State Sen. Ryan Fazio has entered the 2026 governor’s race. Fazio’s campaign centers on cutting electric bills, reducing income and property taxes, and eliminating the public benefits charge.

FROM HARTFORD

CT Advances Toward No-Kill Goal

Governor Ned Lamont has declared August as No-Kill Shelter Month in Connecticut, part of an effort to make the state no-kill by the end of the year. Data from Best Friends Animal Society shows 83 of Connecticut’s 94 shelters already meet the no-kill standard, and the remaining 11 need to save about 200 more pets combined to achieve the goal. Nationwide, nearly two-thirds of shelters are no-kill, with many others close to reaching the benchmark.

CT Investigates AT&T Billing Practices

Connecticut’s Attorney General has launched a civil investigation into AT&T over allegations of unauthorized charges on customer accounts. The inquiry follows the arrest of a former AT&T employee accused of adding fraudulent lines and services between 2021 and 2022, costing customers thousands of dollars. Investigators are seeking information on AT&T’s consumer complaints, fraud prevention practices, and sales compensation policies.

CT Joins Medicaid Data Injunction

A federal court granted a preliminary injunction in a case joined by Connecticut that blocks federal agencies from using or sharing Medicaid data for immigration enforcement. The court found the coalition of states, including Connecticut, likely to succeed in proving the policy violated the Administrative Procedure Act. The injunction will stay in effect until the federal government follows lawful procedures or the litigation concludes.

States Unite to Protect Privacy

A coalition of 22 states, led by Connecticut, filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture challenging a new requirement that states turn over sensitive personal data of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. The states argue the demand violates federal privacy laws, exceeds USDA’s authority, and threatens critical funding for food assistance programs if not met. The lawsuit seeks to block the federal government from conditioning SNAP funding on states’ compliance with the data request.

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