POLICE & FIRE
Veteran Marine Officer Repik Retires
Officer Repik retired from the Greenwich Police Department on November 1 after 27 years of service. A third-generation officer, he joined the Marine Section in 2001, where he handled search and rescue operations, vessel emergencies, and boating safety enforcement. He also served in the Traffic, Bike, and School Security Units during the off-season.
Greenwich Community Supports Holiday Drive
The Greenwich Police Department partnered with Neighbor to Neighbor to collect non-perishable food for local families ahead of Thanksgiving. Officers accepted donations at Kings Food Market on November 9 and 15, and at Stop & Shop on West Putnam Avenue on November 16 and 22. The organizations thanked participants and noted additional opportunities to contribute.
Mason Joins Greenwich Police Team
The Greenwich Police Department has added Mason, an English Labrador from ColdSprings Healing Paws Foundation, to its Community Impact Section. He will complete 1,000 hours of public-access training, including skills in behavior interruption, deep-pressure therapy, and cortisol detection. Mason will work with CIO Paladino to provide support during interactions involving stress or anxiety.
FROM TOWN HALL
Adoptable Cats Fill Greenwich Shelter
Greenwich Animal Control is at full capacity, with every cat cage occupied. The shelter still has many cats and kittens that were not adopted over the summer and cannot take in additional animals despite an increase in calls about strays as temperatures drop. Residents are encouraged to adopt or foster to help free space for incoming animals.
AROUND TOWN
Greenwich Leaf Collection Begins Smoothly
The Department of Public Works began its annual leaf collection on Wednesday, Nov. 12, with crews operating Monday through Saturday for several weeks. Each area of Greenwich received two pickups, and residents were able to check the town website for schedule updates. Leaves were to be placed at the curb—not in streets or on sidewalks—and bagged only in biodegradable paper bags without branches or other debris.
Greenwich Community Strengthens Bear Safety
The Connecticut DEEP reports increasing black bear activity in Greenwich, with sightings along Pecksland and Round Hill Roads and evidence of bears seeking out unsecured food sources. Bird feeders, outdoor garbage, grills, pet food, compost, and decorative pumpkins all attract bears into residential areas. DEEP advises removing these attractants, securing trash, avoiding bird feeders, cleaning grills, supervising pets, and using noise to safely deter bears.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Holiday Lights Brighten Greenwich Streets
The Greenwich Community Foundation is raising private funds to install holiday lights in downtown Greenwich and Cos Cob this year and next. Donations can be made online or by mail to P.O. Box 7791, Greenwich, CT 06836. The lights are set to turn on Thanksgiving night and remain up through January.
Youth Honor Revolutionary War Veterans
Members of the Mary Bush Chapter of the Children of the American Revolution placed flags on the graves of sixteen Revolutionary War soldiers at Christ Church Cemetery on November 9, 2025, with guidance from local veterans and a rededication of Solomon Close’s grave marker. The chapter is also organizing Greenwich’s Wreaths Across America ceremony on December 13 at noon at the same location. Membership is open to youth with Revolutionary War ancestors, with assistance available for determining eligibility.
Greenwich Steps Up Supporting Families
The federal shutdown has halted the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, leaving 817 Greenwich families without expected benefits. In response, the Greenwich United Way has launched the Greenwich Fills the SNAP Gap: Emergency Food Fund to provide short-term aid and create a longer-term food security reserve. The organization aims to raise $150,000 in 30 days, and donations can be made online.
Greenwich Celebrates Treasured Community Trees
On October 23, the Greenwich Tree Conservancy held its Treasured Trees reception at Sam Bridge Nursery and Greenhouses to honor residents who nominated notable trees on their properties. The event also recognized statewide Notable Tree Champions and Co-Champions, part of a program documenting Connecticut’s largest and most significant trees. Honorees received plaques, certificates, and photographs identifying and commemorating their trees.
Honoring Service At Greenwich YMCA
The YMCA of Greenwich hosted its annual Veterans Day Breakfast on November 7, featuring remarks from organizational leaders and elected officials and a display of artwork by local painter Bob Mann. The event highlighted the YMCA’s ongoing support for veterans and active-duty service members, including discounted memberships, mental-health resources, and year-round community programming. The YMCA’s long history of engagement with the military dates back to the Civil War and continues today through its local and national services.
Raphaël’s Bakery Expands To Darien
Raphaël’s Bakery has opened a second location at 370 Heights Road in Darien, with a grand opening scheduled for Sunday at 2 pm The family-run business, first opened in Greenwich in 2020, produces all baked goods on-site and is known for items such as baguettes, croissants, sandwiches, desserts, and house-made hot chocolate. Both the Greenwich and Darien locations share the same hours: 7 am to 4 pm Tuesday through Saturday and 7 am to 2 pm Sunday, closed Mondays.
Greenwich Lions Launch Annual Fundraiser
The Greenwich Lions Club is holding its annual grapefruit sale for $33 per case, with proceeds supporting local nonprofits, scholarships, and vision programs. About $3,000 from the fundraiser will fund eye care for children and seniors and screenings in Greenwich schools. Grapefruits will be sold at multiple town locations, including Greenwich Point, Sound Beach Avenue, Perrot Library, the Post Road near Cos Cob Firehouse, and Holly Hill.
Greenwich Honors Veterans With Pride
More than 100 Greenwich residents attended the American Legion Post 29’s annual Veterans Day walk and ceremony downtown despite cold weather. The event included a parade, music, a wreath-laying, and remarks honoring veterans, including the presentation of an award to former state Rep. Livvy Floren. Lt. Col. Sochara Chumnoeur served as keynote speaker, sharing her background as a Cambodian refugee who became a U.S. Army nurse.
Greenwich Choral Society Celebrates Centennial
The Greenwich Choral Society will present a family concert on Dec. 6 and two traditional holiday performances on Dec. 7 at Christ Church in Greenwich. Programs include carol sing-alongs, “A Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas,” works by Bach, Britten, and Margaret Bonds, and additional seasonal selections. Tickets range from $25 to $55, with free admission for children and K–12 students.
Greenwich Students Lead Thanksgiving Drive
Students in the Greenwich High School Roots & Shoots club organized donations for their annual Thanksgiving food drive, sorting items and preparing cards to accompany holiday baskets. The club is working with the Greenwich Department of Human Services to provide meals and $100 grocery gift cards to 100 local families. Donations are accepted through Nov. 21, with students set to pack and distribute the baskets on Nov. 24.
Greenwich Families Celebrate Go Wild
More than 1,500 people attended Greenwich Land Trust’s 26th annual Go Wild! Family Field Day at the Greenwich Polo Club on October 19, featuring activities for children, large vehicle displays, food trucks, and live music. The event serves as GLT’s largest fundraiser, supporting local land conservation and educational programs, and included participation from the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. Next year’s event will coincide with the Trust’s 50th anniversary.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Linnehan Inducted Into Conference Hall
Marianna Linnehan, Physical Education and Health teacher and head volleyball coach at Greenwich High School, was inducted into the Little East Conference Hall of Fame at Eastern Connecticut State University. She played three seasons for Eastern, leading the women’s volleyball team to three straight conference finals and two championships before earning her degree in 2007. Linnehan now coaches the Greenwich High team, which holds the top ranking in the state.
New Leader Joins At Home
At Home in Greenwich has appointed Ann McCarthy as its new executive director. McCarthy brings more than 15 years of leadership experience in nonprofit and family-support organizations, including roles at Sasco River Center, Mercy Learning Center, the Boys and Girls Club of New Haven, and the Child and Family Guidance Center, along with founding Advocacy for Kids. The organization supports older adults who wish to remain in their homes through services, resources, and community programs.
SCHOOLS
Global Traditions Shine at Julian Curtiss
Julian Curtiss School held its 34th annual United Nations Day parade, highlighting the community’s representation of more than 50 countries and 30 languages. Students marched in cultural attire, presented dances, delivered speeches, and performed songs tied to the day’s theme. The event concluded with an International Food Tasting for families.
Greenwich Employees Complete Leadership Program
Twelve Greenwich Public Schools employees completed the Town of Greenwich Leadership Institute’s 2024–2025 program, which provides training in current management practices and leadership skills for today’s workplace. The graduates represent a range of departments, including contracts, transportation, administration, human resources, food services, facilities, school health services, and custodial and data services.
Cardinal Café Breakfast Boom Continues
Greenwich High School’s earlier start time has led to a sharp increase in students eating breakfast on campus, driving Cardinal Café’s monthly breakfast sales from $2,450 last year to $23,000 this year. Participation in free and reduced-price meals is also up by 35%. The change follows a budget-driven decision to move the start time to 8:00 am, giving students additional time on campus before classes begin.
SPORTS
GHS Athletes Celebrate College Commitments
Twenty-three Greenwich High School seniors signed new NCAA athletic aid agreements during a crowded ceremony in the school’s teacher’s cafeteria. The event marked one of the largest signing groups to date and reflected the recent NCAA shift from binding National Letters of Intent to less restrictive written aid offers. Students committed to compete in a range of collegiate sports, including rowing, water polo, field hockey, swimming, baseball, sailing, and equestrian.
GA Athletes Commit Nationally
Greenwich Academy recognized 13 seniors on Wednesday as they formally committed to compete in Division I athletics. The students confirmed placements across a range of sports, including rowing, sailing, lacrosse, diving, track, field hockey, and squash, at universities such as Boston College, Brown, Cornell, Penn, Yale, Stanford, Columbia, Virginia, Richmond, and Colgate. Their commitments span programs across the country.
Cardinals Advance After Thrilling Victory
Greenwich outlasted Trumbull 3–2 in a tightly contested Class LL quarterfinal, rallying in the decisive fifth set to secure the win. Strong performances from Kayah Armstrong, Aleena Jacobsen, Heidi Zieme, and Victoria Sullivan helped the Cardinals advance. Greenwich now heads to the Class LL semifinals against Fairfield Warde.
Tigers Triumph In Semifinal Clash
Sacred Heart Greenwich and Greenwich Academy each turned in strong seasons, with SHG reaching the FAA Tournament final and GA advancing to the semifinal round. The rivals split their head-to-head meetings, as GA won the regular-season match and SHG earned a 2–1 victory in the postseason semifinal. Sacred Heart finished 9-2-2 overall, while Greenwich Academy closed its regular season at 8-2-2.
Greenwich Academy Clinches FAA Title
Greenwich Academy defeated Sacred Heart Greenwich, 2–1, in the 2025 FAA Field Hockey Tournament final, securing both the regular-season and tournament titles. GA built a two-goal lead on goals by Emily Rizzi and Annie Hanson before SHG closed the gap with a fourth-quarter penalty stroke. Strong late defense preserved the win in another close chapter of the longtime rivalry.
LOCAL POLITICS
Local Eateries Support Greenwich Pollworkers
Elections in Greenwich run smoothly thanks to the work of poll workers. This year, local eateries provided them with complimentary meals. We thank those businesses for their support.
FROM HARTFORD
Full November SNAP Benefits Restored
Connecticut has loaded full November SNAP benefits onto all EBT cards, using a mix of federally mandated funds and state dollars authorized by the governor. The Department of Social Services confirmed that recipients do not need to take any action. Benefits are available immediately and balances can be checked online or by phone.
ACROSS CT
Greenwich Schools Earn State Distinction
The Connecticut State Department of Education named ten Greenwich Public Schools as 2024–2025 “Schools of Distinction,” the highest number the district has received under current standards. The recognitions were based on high performance and academic growth in English Language Arts and mathematics. The honored schools are Glenville, Hamilton Avenue, International School at Dundee, Julian Curtiss, New Lebanon, North Mianus, North Street, Old Greenwich, Parkway, and Riverside.
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.
OUR NEIGHBORS
Maritime Aquarium Hosts Teacher Celebration
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk will hold its annual Teacher’s Day on Saturday, November 15, offering free admission for educators and one guest with a valid school ID. Teachers can explore exhibits, review student programs, and stop by Oyster Hall between 10 am and 1 pm for complimentary refreshments and information sessions with Aquarium staff. Additional guests may attend at regular admission rates.
