POLICE & FIRE
Veteran Officer Roger Drenth Retires
After 37 years with the Greenwich Police Department, including 19 as a Traffic Technician, Officer Roger Drenth is retiring. He joined the department in 1988 and became known for his precision in traffic and accident investigations, often providing expert testimony in court cases. His career is marked by extensive experience, commendations, and a lasting impact on the department’s investigative work.
Greenwich Fire Department Celebrates Promotions
The Greenwich Fire Department held a ceremony to recognize seven members for their promotions. Brainerd was promoted to Deputy Chief of Training, and Dawson became Fire Marshal. Ruehl, Howley, and Crumbine were promoted to Lieutenant, while Richardson and Lengyel became Deputy Fire Marshals.
GPD Officer Robert Pascale Passes Unexpectedly
Officer Robert Pascale, #116, of the Greenwich Police Department, passed away unexpectedly. Born in Stamford, Connecticut, he earned dual degrees in Criminology and Economics from Penn State University and joined the department in April 2022 after graduating from the New Britain Police Academy. He was recognized for his professionalism, strong work ethic, and community service.
FROM TOWN HALL
Greenwich Launches Drainage Improvement Project
Beginning in early November, Greenwich’s Department of Public Works will upgrade drainage along Edgewood Avenue and Old Field Point Road. Crews will install new pipes, manholes, and catch basins to improve stormwater management. The project starts near the Old Field Point Road intersection and is expected to finish by year’s end, weather permitting.
Speed Cameras Enhance School Safety
Greenwich has installed speed cameras at nine school zones identified in a 2024 survey where over 25% of drivers exceeded speed limits. The program is being implemented in two phases, with the first phase active and the second under construction. Cameras operate only during school hours, and each violation is manually reviewed by a police officer before approval.
Greenwich Community Launches Food Drive
The federal government shutdown may soon halt SNAP benefits, affecting over 800 Greenwich families who rely on the program. To help, the Transportation Association of Greenwich will hold a food drive from November 3 to 14, with donations going to Neighbor to Neighbor. Residents can also volunteer, organize their own drives, or donate online at www.givehealthy.org/index.php/neighbor-drive
Greenwich Town Hall Celebrates Centennial
Greenwich Town Hall marked its 100th anniversary with a brief outdoor ceremony on Wednesday. Originally built in 1925 as Greenwich High School, the building served students until 1970 before becoming Town Hall. The event, led by First Selectman Fred Camillo, featured a new portrait by resident Gary Calabro and recognized staff for maintaining the building and upcoming accessibility improvements.
Italian Mayor Visits Greenwich Town
Mayor Ivan Minella of St. Giustina Belluno, Italy, visited Greenwich Town Hall for a cultural exchange with First Selectman Fred Camillo. The meeting, arranged by resident Graziano Bortot, focused on local governance and shared community ties between Greenwich and Italy. Mayor Minella presented a map of his town, which is near Venice and preparing for the upcoming Winter Olympics.
AROUND TOWN
Extra Hour Marks Time Change
Daylight saving time ended at 2am on Sunday, with clocks set back one hour. The change provided an extra hour of sleep but resulted in earlier sunsets. Drivers in Greenwich were urged to use extra caution during darker evening commutes.
Greenwich Leaf Collection Begins Monday
The Greenwich Department of Public Works will begin its annual leaf collection on November 12, operating Monday through Saturday and finishing by mid-December, weather permitting. Crews will make two pickups in each designated section, starting in Old Greenwich, Riverside, Cos Cob, Central Greenwich, and Glenville. Residents must place leaves near the curb but not in the street, use biodegradable bags, and remove any remaining leaves after the final collection.
Greenwich, Stamford Advance Trail Project
Greenwich and Stamford are considering four possible routes for a new two-mile multi-use trail linking Binney Park and Boccuzzi Park to improve pedestrian and bicycle access. The proposed routes combine paved paths, bike lanes, and shared road markings, with final design work expected to begin in 2026. The project is funded through state and local grants under the Connecticut Recreational Trails Program.
Commission Reviews George Bush Monument
The Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed a proposal from First Selectman Fred Camillo to install a bronze statue of George H. W. Bush on the lawn of the Havemeyer Building. The plan includes a plinth, limestone backdrop, lighting, and landscaping changes, and is funded through a private donation pending RTM approval. Commissioners discussed location, design, and visibility concerns, and the applicant was asked to revise and resubmit the proposal.
Greenwich Honors Veterans With Pride
Greenwich and nearby communities will hold several events to mark Veterans Day on November 11. The American Legion Post 29 will lead a walk and ceremony on Greenwich Avenue at 10:15am, while the Byram Veterans Association hosts a parade at 7pm Other observances include a pancake breakfast at the YMCA on November 7, free admission for veterans at the New England Air Museum, and a statewide ceremony in Middletown at 2pm
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Connecticut Hospitals Lead In Safety
The Leapfrog Group released new Hospital Safety Grades, rating U.S. hospitals from A to F based on prevention of medical errors, injuries, and infections. Connecticut ranked fourth nationally, with half its hospitals earning an A. For the first time, Leapfrog also evaluated health systems, finding top-rated hospitals were more often part of larger systems.
Sophia’s Gallery Welcomes Holiday Season
Sophia’s Costumes & Gifts will reopen its Christmas Shop and vintage fashion collection on Wednesday, November 12, offering a range of holiday gifts and historical clothing from the Victorian era through the 1990s.
YWCA Greenwich Hosts Successful Fundraiser
YWCA Greenwich held its annual Fall Party, first established in 2023 to raise funds for youth program financial aid. Proceeds help reduce costs for local families so children can access preschool, summer camp, after-school care, and sports programs. The event featured dinner, music by MOJO, and was organized by co-chairs Angela Chambers, Dawn Israel, and Megan Sullivan with their committee.
Sip & Shop Supports Cancer Research
The Sip & Shop Girls’ Night Out Boutique will take place Wednesday, November 5, at Innis Arden Golf Club in Old Greenwich. The free event features local and independent vendors, with proceeds supporting Swim Across America – Fairfield County’s cancer research initiatives. Since 2016, the annual event has raised funds for the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy through community shopping and donations.
Greenwich Walk Honors Fallen Heroes
The Silver Shield Foundation will hold its sixth annual Greenwich Walk on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Tod’s Point to honor fallen first responders and raise funds for scholarships supporting their families. The event will feature remarks from regional officials and participation from police, fire, and EMS departments across the tri-state area. Last year’s walk raised $180,000, and this year’s participants are asked to contribute or raise at least $100.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Greenwich Teen Wins Five Golds
Fifteen-year-old Marcus Pinto of Greenwich helped secure Brazil’s gold medal at the South American Fencing Championships by overcoming a five-point deficit in the final bout. He won five gold medals in total, competing against older opponents in both individual and team sabre events. Pinto trains in the U.S. and Brazil and began fencing in 2019 after trying other sports.
Kristi Edmonds Joins Greenwich Council
The Greenwich Council of Scouting America has appointed Kristi Edmonds as its new District Executive. Edmonds, a Rutgers University School of Social Work graduate, brings experience in youth programs, volunteer management, and community partnerships. She will support the Council’s efforts to expand Scouting opportunities for youth and families in Greenwich, Connecticut.
SCHOOLS
Greenwich Schools Celebrate Outstanding Staff
Greenwich Public Schools announced the November 2025 recipients of its “Difference Makers 2.0” awards, recognizing staff who have made significant contributions within the district. The program honors one employee from each school and district department each month for their exceptional service. Honorees are selected through nominations from principals and district leaders.
Glenville Students Explore Local Government
Second graders from Glenville School visited Town Hall in two groups to learn about how Greenwich’s local government operates. They toured the Town Hall Meeting Room to see the early voting setup and received “I Voted” stickers, then visited the Town Clerk’s records room to learn about record-keeping. The visits were organized with help from teachers, election staff, and Town Hall employees. Photo credit: First Selectman Camillo’s Community Connections
Earlier Start Boosts Breakfast Participation
Breakfast sales at Greenwich High School have sharply increased following the district’s decision to move the school start time from 8:30am to 7:45am Sales of individual breakfast items rose from $2,450 to $23,540 year-over-year, and participation among students receiving free or reduced-price meals also grew significantly. The earlier schedule, introduced to reduce transportation costs, has resulted in more students eating breakfast before classes begin.
Julian Curtiss Celebrates Global Unity
Julian Curtiss School in Greenwich held its 34th annual Parade of Nations to mark United Nations Day and the 77th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Students representing more than 50 countries wore traditional clothing, carried flags, and performed cultural dances and songs. The event concluded with an international food tasting featuring dishes from families across the school community.
SPORTS
Unified Sports Teams Unite Triumphantly
Greenwich High School hosted a Unified Sports soccer meet featuring teams from Greenwich, Norwalk, and Darien in its gymnasium, which was divided into three playing areas. The event included support from the school’s cheerleaders and dance team. The Unified Sports program, started in 2010 and led by PE teacher Deirdre Burke, will next compete in the FCIAC tournament on November 6 and hold its final game of the season on November 13 at GHS Field #3.
Gators Sweep Into FAA Semifinals
Greenwich Academy’s varsity volleyball team swept Hamden Hall Country Day School, 3-0, in the FAA Tournament quarterfinals on Nov. 3, 2025, with set scores of 25-22, 25-20, and 25-11. Strong serving, effective passing, and balanced hitting from captains Issy Fottrell and Devon Mahaffy led the Gators to the decisive win. GA advanced to the semifinals to face Greens Farms Academy, both teams entering with identical 10-2 FAA records.
Greenwich Dominates FCIAC Swimming Finals
Greenwich High won the FCIAC girls swimming championship at home on Nov. 1, 2025, scoring 501 points for its 32nd conference title—90 ahead of runner-up Ridgefield (410); New Canaan was third (197). The Cardinals won six events, including the 200 medley and 200 freestyle relays, with individual titles from Wesley Wales (50 & 100 free), Melissa Geiger (100 fly), and Ellison Charette (500 free), and they placed second in the 400 free relay. Seventeen athletes scored for Greenwich after an unbeaten regular season; next up are the CIAC Class LL finals on Nov. 12 and the State Open on Nov. 16.
Greenwich Volleyball Captures FCIAC Championship
Top-seeded Greenwich High School won the 2025 FCIAC Girls Volleyball Tournament with a 3-1 victory over Fairfield Ludlowe, securing its fourth conference title. Junior middle hitter Kayah Armstrong earned MVP honors with 18 kills, eight digs, and three blocks, leading the Cardinals to their 22nd win of the season. The victory capped a dominant campaign for Greenwich, which now advances to the CIAC Class LL state tournament.
St. Joseph Captures FCIAC Title
Greenwich High School’s girls varsity soccer team fell to St. Joseph in the FCIAC championship on Oct. 28 after a scoreless regulation and overtime, losing 4-1 in penalty kicks. Despite controlling much of the match and creating multiple scoring chances, Greenwich couldn’t convert, while St. Joseph’s goalie Cailyn O’Hara earned MVP honors. The win marked St. Joseph’s third FCIAC title in four seasons, while Greenwich, now 14-2-2, moved on as the No. 2 seed in the CIAC Class LL Tournament.
Cardinals Advance After Stellar Season
Greenwich High School’s varsity field hockey team finished the 2025 season with a 10-3-0-1 record, earning the No. 6 seed in the FCIAC Tournament. The Cardinals advanced to the semifinals after a 3-2 shootout win over Wilton before falling 3-0 to Darien, which went on to win the championship. Head coach Megan Wax praised her team’s resilience and leadership as they prepare for the upcoming CIAC Class L state tournament.
Staples Captures FCIAC Soccer Title
Staples High defeated top-seeded Greenwich 3-2 in the FCIAC Tournament final on Oct. 27, claiming its first conference title since 2010. The Wreckers built a two-goal first-half lead and held off the previously unbeaten Cardinals, who rallied in the second half but fell short. Greenwich, now 17-1, turns its focus to the CIAC Class LL state tournament, where it enters as the No. 2 seed.
Brunswick Stages Thrilling Homecoming Comeback
Brunswick School’s varsity football team earned a dramatic 44–43 Homecoming victory over Phillips Exeter Academy on October 25, capped by sophomore Alex McCormack’s touchdown catch and kicker Matias DeBono’s 35-yard extra point with three seconds remaining. The game saw multiple lead changes, with quarterback Ben Rolapp guiding a decisive final drive under heavy pressure. The win improved Brunswick’s record to 5–2 overall and 4–1 in league play, marking one of the most thrilling moments in the program’s recent history.
LOCAL POLITICS
Turtle Logan Wins Zoo Mayor
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo announced that Logan, an Amazon River Turtle, won the 2026 Zoo Mayor election. The zoo thanked voters for their support, highlighting Logan’s calm and steady nature. The post celebrates his upcoming term with lighthearted enthusiasm.
OUR NEIGHBORS
Rudolph Returns in Festive 4D
The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk is featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D from November 3 to January 4. The 10-minute film follows Rudolph’s journey to help Santa save Christmas, using the original stop-motion animation and songs from the 1964 classic. Tickets cost $7.95, or $6.95 for members, and can be purchased separately from Aquarium admission.
