News Briefs: March 20

POLICE & FIRE

Photo credit: Greenwich Police Department

Officer Cardini Serves Greenwich Community

Officer Cardini has served with the department for two and a half years and previously spent three years in the Greenwich Police Explorers. She is an Emergency Medical Responder and has completed ARIDE and Crisis Intervention training. She is assigned to the Patrol Division and serves the Town of Greenwich.

FROM TOWN HALL

Greenwich Residents Report Strong Satisfaction

The 2025 Greenwich Resident Satisfaction Survey found that 89% of residents are satisfied with overall quality of life, with strong ratings for public safety, community, and education. Satisfaction levels declined slightly from 2023, though most residents still view town services, tax value, and customer service positively. Areas identified for improvement include traffic, communication, public health services, and website usability.

Photo credit: First Selectman Camillo’s Community Connections

Girl Scouts Explore Greenwich Town Hall

Members of Girl Scout Brownie Troop 50650 visited Town Hall to learn how Greenwich’s government operates and the role of the First Selectman. They met with First Selectman Fred Camillo and Town Clerk Jackie Budkins, who answered questions and provided a tour. The visit contributed to the troop earning their Democracy in Action merit badges.

East Weaver Building Set for Housing

A proposal has been submitted to Greenwich Planning & Zoning to convert the mostly vacant office building at 1 East Weaver Street, built around 1985, into 44 market-rate rental units. The plan includes a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, with minor architectural changes and no alterations to the site layout; no affordable housing units are included. The property has over 200 parking spaces, exceeding the 90 spaces required under current regulations, and the application has not yet been scheduled for a hearing.

Greenwich Advances 2026 Outdoor Dining Plans

Greenwich officials are considering two options for the 2026 outdoor dining season, running from May 22 to either October 18 or October 4, with fees of $12 per parking space per day and $48.50 per linear foot for barriers. The program, now in its sixth year, uses public parking spaces enclosed by barriers installed and removed by the Department of Public Works. The season has been shortened in recent years due to lower fall usage and competing municipal workload demands.

School Zone Cameras Improve Road Safety

The town installed speed cameras in school zones to reduce speeding and improve safety, and early data shows speeds have decreased. Officials are adding clearer signage, improving the appeals process, and directing all questions to a dedicated email, with citations issued by mail and fines set at $50 for a first offense and $75 thereafter. Cameras operate only during school hours at multiple school locations, where tens of thousands of drivers had previously been exceeding speed limits each week.

AROUND TOWN

Hencken House Preservation Effort Advances

On March 12, Anne Young requested that the Board of Selectmen appoint the Greenwich Historic District Commission as a study committee to evaluate whether the Albert C. Hencken House at 341 North Street should be designated a Local Historic Property. The Tudor Revival house, built in 1903–1904 and designed by architect John Russell Pope, is owned by Herbert and Dee Winokur and has remained largely unchanged aside from minor additions. The designation process, previously supported by the Historic District Commission, would subject future exterior changes to review, and the proposal is currently at its first reading pending public comment.

Handbell Festival Supports Historic Garden

The Knollwood Garden Club of Greenwich will hold a handbell choir concert on May 9, 2026, at the Seaside Garden in Greenwich Point to raise funds for garden restoration, with a rain date of May 16. Three local church choirs will perform individually and together, including the premiere of a commissioned piece by Jonathan Vaughn. Tickets are $50, and proceeds will support maintenance of the historic garden.

LOCAL BUSINESSES & NON PROFITS

Photo credit: Special Education Legal Fund

Resource Fair Connects Special Education Families

The Special Education Legal Fund and SEEK CT will host a free Resource Fair on March 28, 2026, at the Stamford JCC, featuring over 50 organizations that provide services for children with special education needs. The event includes two panel discussions on hiring advocates or attorneys and selecting appropriate schools. Its purpose is to give families access to information, resources, and support related to special education.

Community Rallies to Support Camperships

Summer camp in Greenwich provides childcare and structured activities for children, especially those from working families. The Greenwich Department of Human Services Fund is raising money for its 2026 Campership Program to help income-eligible children attend camp as costs rise and a former partner no longer provides free camp weeks. Donations will fund scholarships that cover camp tuition for children in need.

Citizens Private Bank Expands Into Greenwich

Citizens Private Bank, a division of Citizens Bank founded in 2023, will open a new branch later this year at 93 Mason Street in Greenwich, replacing a former First Republic Bank location. The office will have about five employees, an ATM, and dedicated customer parking. The bank cited client demand and reported $14.5 billion in deposits, $10 billion in assets under management, and $7.2 billion in loans.

Riverside Church Leads Community Donation Drive

St. Catherine of Siena/St. Agnes in Riverside is partnering with Inspirica, a Stamford nonprofit that supports people experiencing homelessness. Through March 22, the church is collecting new twin sheets and blankets, towels, cookware, cleaning supplies, and personal hygiene items for donation. Items can be dropped off at Lucey Parish Hall, 4 Riverside Avenue; questions can be directed to Mike Ballengee at 203-558-2244 or mikebalangee@icloud.com.

Saint Saviour’s Welcomes New Pastor

Saint Saviour’s Episcopal Church in Old Greenwich has appointed Rev. Michael Southwick as pastor following his ordination in 2024 after a career in law. A longtime local resident, he will lead the historic 1918 church, which also houses a preschool and dance school, as it continues regular Sunday services at 10:00 a.m. The church plans additional events during the Easter season and throughout the year and is open to the community.

PEOPLE IN TOWN

Photo credit: Greenwich Hibernian Association

Greenwich Celebrates Milestone St. Patrick’s Parade

Greenwich planned two St. Patrick’s Day events: a flag-raising at Town Hall on March 17 at 9 a.m. and the 50th annual parade on March 22 at 2 p.m., organized by the Greenwich Hibernian Association. The parade route began at Town Hall, continued up Field Point Road, turned onto West Putnam Avenue, and proceeded down Greenwich Avenue with regional bands and marchers participating. Haydn O’Shea, president of the Greenwich Hibernian Society, served as grand marshal, continuing a tradition that began in 1975.

THE ENVIRONMENT

Community Unites for Earth Day Cleanup

The Town of Greenwich Parks and Recreation Foundation will hold its fourth annual Earth Day clean-up at Mianus River Park on April 18, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon, with volunteers meeting at the Cognewaugh Street entrance. Participants will plant native species, remove invasive plants, improve trail boundaries, and clear debris to maintain the park. The event is open to the public, and basic tools will be provided in limited supply.

Audubon Seeks Volunteer Teacher Naturalists

Audubon Greenwich is recruiting Volunteer Teacher Naturalists to assist with and eventually lead outdoor educational programs for elementary students. Spring training sessions will cover topics including bird migration, freshwater ecology, and watersheds, with hands-on instruction and mentorship from experienced staff and volunteers. No prior experience is required, but volunteers must complete a background check and can contact Ryan MacLean to register.

SCHOOLS

Sacred Heart Hosts Father Daughter Dance

Last month, Sacred Heart Greenwich held its annual Father-Daughter Dinner Dances for Upper and Middle School students and their fathers. The events featured a Mamma Mia–themed evening with dinner, dancing, and time together. A key moment was the senior fathers’ performance of their traditional “Dadrigals” songs.

Greenwich Students Prepare For STEM Fair

The First Selectman’s Youth Commission will host the 6th Annual Greenwich Middle School STEM Fair on May 16, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Cohen Eastern Greenwich Civic Center. Up to 75 student projects will be accepted, with registration closing April 17 and final submissions due May 8; students may enter individually or in teams of up to three. High school students in grades 10–12 will serve as judges, and proposals must be submitted through the town website.

Whitby Students Support Community Through Tournament

On March 2, Whitby School students in Greenwich held their 10th annual Connect 4 “March Madness” tournament, collecting 56 toothbrushes and 11 tubes of toothpaste for Dorothy Day Hospitality House in Danbury. Students entered by donating supplies, organized the event, tracked results, and managed collections. The bracket-style competition concluded with a final round among four students, with one winner earning points for their team.

SPORTS

Photo credit: First Selectman Camillo’s Community Connections

Greenwich Middle School Squash Team Triumphs

Greenwich honored its first group of middle school athletes after the Greenwich Squash team won the Middle School National Team Division II Championship in February. The team included students from all three public middle schools and was recognized alongside First Selectman Fred Camillo. Players, coach Elliot Ridge, and parent managers were acknowledged for their roles in the win.

Photo credit: David Fierro

Greenwich Advances To State Championship

Greenwich High School’s girls basketball team defeated Hamden 58–47 in the CIAC Division I semifinals, advancing to its first state final since 2016. The third-seeded Cardinals, now 24–2, will face top-seeded Northwest Catholic at Mohegan Sun Arena on March 21. Zuri Faison, Elsa Xhekaj, and Madi Utzinger led Greenwich’s scoring in the semifinal victory.

Greenwich Swimmers Secure Historic State Title

Greenwich High School’s boys swimming team won the 2026 CIAC State Open Championships at Yale, securing its 12th consecutive title and 40th overall with a depth-driven performance totaling 685 points. The Cardinals captured two event victories, including the 100-yard breaststroke and 400-yard freestyle relay, while earning numerous podium finishes across events. The win completed another Triple Crown season, adding to their FCIAC and Class LL championship titles.

Greenwich Advances With Grit And Poise

Greenwich High School’s girls basketball team advanced to the CIAC Division I semifinals with a 44–41 win over East Catholic, led by Zuri Faison’s 17 points and key contributions from Mikayla Kiernan and Madi Utzinger. After a tied halftime score, Greenwich pulled ahead in the third quarter and held off a late comeback attempt in the final minute. The Cardinals will face Hamden in the semifinals with a chance to reach the championship game at Mohegan Sun.

Greenwich Advances With Strong Playoff Win

Greenwich High School defeated Notre Dame Prep 11–2 in the opening round of the CIAC Division I Tournament on March 11, led by eight combined goals from its top line of Teddy Johnson, Hayden Odelfelt, and John Meehan. The Cardinals built a 4–0 lead through two periods and scored seven goals in the third, while goalie Will Salib helped keep Notre Dame scoreless until late in the game. Greenwich advanced to face Fairfield Prep in the quarterfinals on March 14.

Greenwich Swimming Extends Championship Dominance

Greenwich High School’s boys swimming team won the CIAC Class LL championship with 1,010 points, securing its 12th consecutive title and 40th overall, while also capturing nine events and numerous top finishes. Senior captains Charlie Koven and Colin Bucaria each won two individual events, and the team delivered strong performances across relays and individual races, along with first- and top placements in diving. The victory follows their FCIAC championship and advances many swimmers to the upcoming State Open Championships.

Greenwich Advances With Strong State Victory

Greenwich High School’s girls basketball team opened its CIAC Division I Tournament run with a 53–27 win over Glastonbury after receiving a first-round bye. The Cardinals built an early lead and maintained control throughout, led by Madi Utzinger’s 16 points, with additional contributions from Elsa Xhekaj and Mikayla Kiernan. The victory advanced third-seeded Greenwich (22–2) to the quarterfinals, where it will face East Catholic.

AROUND CT

State Strengthens Solar Consumer Protections

Connecticut’s Attorney General announced an investigation into SunStrong Management LLC following dozens of consumer complaints about warranties, fees, and lack of response, and reached a $100,000 settlement with Spruce Power over billing and service issues after it took over contracts it was not prepared to manage. The Spruce settlement requires refunds and operational reforms and is pending court approval. These actions are part of ongoing enforcement efforts addressing complaints tied to solar companies taking over contracts from bankrupt firms.

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