POLICE & FIRE
Zuccerella Graduates From FBI Academy
Deputy Chief Mark Zuccerella graduated from the FBI National Academy’s 297th session, a 10-week leadership and training program held in Quantico, Virginia. The program included 253 law enforcement officers from across the U.S. and 24 countries and focuses on areas such as leadership, intelligence, and behavioral science. Since 1935, more than 56,000 officers have completed the academy and typically advance to senior roles within their agencies.
Officer Garcia Serves Community With Dedication
Officer Garcia joined the Greenwich Police Department on September 30, 2024, and serves in the Patrol Division. She is an Emergency Medical Responder and is trained in impaired driving enforcement and crisis intervention. Before joining the department, she worked as a paralegal at a criminal defense law firm.
Greenwich Firefighters Strengthen Regional Training
Greenwich Fire Department volunteers from the Sound Beach Rescue Company participated in vehicle extrication training with Westchester County departments. The training included multiple advanced scenarios and improved coordination with mutual aid partners, including familiarity with equipment and procedures. The department conducts ongoing training to maintain readiness and service standards.
FROM TOWN HALL
Greenwich Highway Team Earns Recognition
The Town of Greenwich DPW Highway Division was named Employees of the Month for March. The team worked extended hours during the winter to keep roads clear and safe. Their work was part of a coordinated effort with other Town departments.
Greenwich Expands Smart Food Recycling Program
Greenwich plans to install 24/7 “smart” food scrap recycling bins at Binney Park and Cos Cob Park and is asking residents to complete a short survey before launch. The program currently operates at Holly Hill, Old Greenwich, and Round Hill Road and has diverted over 750,000 pounds of food waste into compost. Information about the program and bin access via a mobile app is available online.
Town Advances New Ice Rink Plan
The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously granted preliminary approval for a revised plan to replace the Dorothy Hamill Ice Rink, pending submission of a final site plan. The proposal would build a new rink on Strazza Field, then demolish the existing rink and construct a regulation baseball field in its place, with construction expected to take about two years and cost roughly $40 million. The commission requested additional details on traffic, site circulation, landscaping, and emergency access before final approval, and the project still requires approval from the Representative Town Meeting.
New CERT Members Strengthen Greenwich Preparedness
The Greenwich Emergency Management Team has sworn in new Community Emergency Response Team members after they completed a 20-hour training program. These volunteers will assist with planned events and emergencies and will continue further training. Each member receives equipment, a uniform, and basic response training, and future applicants can apply at http://www.greenwichalerts.org for upcoming classes.
Greenwich Moves Forward With Property Sales
The Board of Selectmen discussed a request to refer seven town-owned properties acquired through tax lien foreclosures to the Planning & Zoning Commission to determine municipal improvement status. If approved, the properties will be appraised, publicly advertised, and sold through a bid or proposal process, with final approval required from the Board of Estimate and Taxation. The Board voted 3-0 to move the referral forward.
AROUND TOWN
Yankee Doodle Doggie Launches Celebration
Greenwich Historical Society will introduce “Yankee Doodle Doggie” at the Greenwich St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 22, 2026, to launch the town’s America 250 celebrations. The character will appear along the parade route and at multiple locations around town in the following months to promote related events. The celebration will culminate on June 28, 2026, at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park with a townwide event and the arrival of the Tall Ship Oosterschelde.
Greenwich Station Restaurant Plan
Developers of the new Greenwich train station are proposing to increase the planned restaurant from 112 to 150 seats and state that existing parking capacity and a valet system can handle demand. The site includes over 1,000 parking spaces, and estimates suggest peak valet use would involve about 52 cars. The proposal is under review following an informal discussion with the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Proposed Brookside Development Expands Housing Opportunities
A proposal has been submitted to Greenwich’s Planning and Zoning Commission to build a four-story, nine-unit apartment building at 49 Brookside Drive on a former parking lot. The plan includes a request to rezone the property from P-Zone to CGB and features 22 parking spaces, rooftop and ground-level outdoor areas, and one affordable unit. The application is currently under non-binding pre-application review.
Greenwich Station Closure Set March 26
The Greenwich Train Station will be closed from March 26 at noon to March 30 at 4:45 a.m. for elevator construction as part of the Greenwich Crossing project. Trains will continue running, and platforms can be accessed via the pedestrian bridge, MTA elevators, and stairways at nearby streets and parking areas. The project is privately managed by the Ashforth Company, which has provided details on access and parking during the closure.
Community Shredding Event Set for April
A paper shredding event will take place on Saturday, April 18, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Island Beach Parking Lot across from the ferry dock. Residents may bring up to four boxes of documents for on-site shredding at $4 per box; materials must be in rigid containers with all metal and plastic removed. The event, organized by the Greenwich Recycling Advisory Board and Greenwich Green & Clean, will also collect food and toiletries for Neighbor to Neighbor; details are available at info@greenwichgreenandclean.org
Greenwich Alumni Reunite at Club Celebration
More than 100 alumni of the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich returned to the Rebecca S. Breed Clubhouse on March 22, 2026, for the first Alumni St. Patrick’s Day Big Green Party, held alongside the town’s parade. Attendees spanning multiple generations gathered to reconnect and revisit their shared experiences at the Club. The event reinforced ongoing alumni engagement and is expected to become an annual tradition.
Greenwich Blood Drive Supports Community Health
Gary Silberberg is organizing another blood drive in Greenwich as part of ongoing local efforts to address a national blood shortage. Donations are needed to support hospital procedures and emergency care, including at Greenwich Hospital. The drive will take place April 6 from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Greenwich Reform Synagogue in Cos Cob; appointments are recommended, with limited walk-in availability.
LOCAL BUSINESSES & NON PROFITS
Greenwich Honors Abilis Community Partnership
Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo issued a proclamation recognizing March as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and honoring Abilis. The organization has supported individuals with developmental disabilities for 75 years and operates a café at Greenwich Library, in partnership for six years, to provide job training and employment opportunities. The program is supported by the library, staff, and patrons.
Community Supports Annual Easter Basket Drive
SPLURGE at 39 Lewis Street is collecting donations for its 19th annual Easter Basket Drive, benefiting Kids in Crisis and the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County for children ages 2–17. Donations include filled baskets with items like toys, books, snacks, and candy, as well as gift cards or monetary contributions via Venmo or an Amazon registry. Items will be accepted through April 1 at designated drop-off locations, with a goal of 300 baskets.
Aquarion Expands Rain Barrel Program
Aquarion Water Company is offering 60-gallon upcycled rain barrels to Connecticut customers, including those in Greenwich, to collect roof runoff and reduce water use. The barrels cost $85 (30% discount) and must be ordered by April 20, with pickup available April 25 at Greenwich Town Hall and other locations statewide on select dates. Orders can be placed online, and the barrels include features for debris control, overflow management, and connection to standard hoses or irrigation systems.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Student Program Boosts Summer Reading Skills
Greenwich High School junior Sarah You created a literacy program to address summer learning loss using a plush bookworm called “Mr. Wiggles” to encourage students to read aloud and track progress. The program was first implemented at the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich and has expanded to Hamilton Avenue School, where students received a bookworm and reading tracker. The initiative supports reading practice through structured, consistent engagement.
Students Explore Finance And AI
Jack Wendell, a Brunswick School student, is organizing a Finance & AI Workshop for local high school students through the Greenwich First Selectman’s Youth Commission on March 24 at Greenwich Town Hall. The event will cover basic financial literacy topics and demonstrate how an AI model can be used in financial analysis, led by industry professionals. This is the second year of the program, with attendance expected to increase from over 30 students last year to more than 50.
THE ENVIRONMENT
Native Aronia Strengthens Local Landscapes
The Greenwich Conservation Commission is promoting native planting through its Nix Invasive Species campaign. It recommends aronia, a native shrub with seasonal interest, edible berries for wildlife, and strong tolerance to drought, disease, and varied soil conditions. It is a low-maintenance option that also helps control erosion and supports pollinators.
Greenwich Community Unites For Beach Cleanup
Greenwich Green & Clean will hold its annual Spring Beach Cleanup, “Live Like Luke,” on Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Greenwich Point. The event honors Luke Meyers and includes collecting and reporting non-biodegradable debris to environmental organizations for pollution tracking. Registration is available online or onsite, and community service certificates will be provided.
SCHOOLS
Greenwich Students Excel At State Symposium
Tyler Malkin, a Greenwich High School sophomore, won first place for oral presentation at the Connecticut High School Science and Humanities Symposium at UConn Health for his research on a nanoparticle drug delivery system to prevent neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. The event included nearly 300 high school students presenting independent research projects in a competitive format. Four other Greenwich students also participated, presenting projects on cardiovascular disease, macular degeneration, pain management, and leukemia, with Arnav Bhatia also receiving the People’s Choice Award.
Old Greenwich Students Ride Safely
Old Greenwich supports walking and biking, but traffic speed and distraction create safety risks. Old Greenwich School and its PTA launched GEAR UP OGS, a program teaching students safe biking skills through physical education classes using a standardized curriculum. Parent-led bike trains will run every Friday starting April 17 through the end of the school year.
Sacred Heart Students Present Global Research
Sacred Heart Greenwich seniors in the Global Scholars Program presented their final research projects at the annual Senior Research Symposium. Topics included disability laws in the Dominican Republic, healthcare rights for incarcerated immigrant women, and the impact of income on educational access and long-term outcomes. The program focuses on developing students’ research, analytical skills, and understanding of global issues.
Greenwich Students Advance With Top Honors
Greenwich High School juniors Angelina Song and Yihan Shao each independently earned first place in the Senior Exhibit category at the Fairfield Regional Connecticut History Day Contest and will advance to the state level. Their projects examined eugenics and its impact on science, law, and human rights during the Progressive Era. They conducted extensive independent research, including archival work and academic reading.
Brunswick Preschool Expansion Moves Forward
The Greenwich Planning & Zoning Commission is reviewing a proposal by Brunswick School to expand its preschool program on Lake Avenue from 150 to 194 children by renovating four buildings. The review is focused on traffic, parking, safety, and neighborhood impact, including possible use of an additional access road. The proposal is in early stages, with further analysis and a site visit planned before any decision.
Greenwich Schools Name Science Leader
Greenwich Public Schools appointed Dr. Jeff Beckley Jr. as K–8 science program coordinator effective April 13, replacing Tara Fogel. He will oversee science and library media programs, align curriculum with state standards, support teachers, and analyze student data. Beckley previously worked in Norwalk Public Schools as an instructional coach and elementary teacher and holds advanced degrees in education and leadership.
SPORTS
Unified Seniors Celebrated in Greenwich
Greenwich High School’s Unified Sports Senior Night featured two in-house teams competing in a basketball game focused on inclusion and recognition rather than rivalry. Players rotated throughout the game, with consistent support from the crowd, a Spirit Team performance, and a brief “pizza box knockout” activity. Seniors were honored for their contributions to the program, which emphasizes teamwork, participation, and community.
Greenwich Girls Capture Historic State Title
Greenwich High School’s girls basketball team won its first CIAC Division I state championship, defeating Northwest Catholic 51–46 after also capturing its first FCIAC title since 1988.
The team finished the season 25–2 with a 15-game winning streak, led in the final by Zuri Faison (18 points) and Madi Utzinger (16 points). The victory ended Northwest Catholic’s three-year championship run and marked the most successful season in program history.
Greenwich Advances To State Championship
Greenwich High School’s girls basketball team defeated Hamden 58–47 in the CIAC Division I semifinals to advance to its first state championship game since 2016. The Cardinals, now 24–2 and on a 14-game winning streak, were led by Zuri Faison (21 points), Elsa Xhekaj (17), and Madi Utzinger (16). They will face top-seeded Northwest Catholic in the final at Mohegan Sun Arena.
Greenwich Swim Team Claims State Crown
Greenwich High School’s boys swimming team won the 2026 CIAC State Open Championship at Yale, securing its 12th consecutive title and completing another Triple Crown season. The team relied on depth and multiple podium finishes, with individual wins in the 100 breaststroke and 400 freestyle relay. Athletes and coaches emphasized the team’s steady improvement, strong work ethic, and collective effort throughout the season.
AROUND CT
Young Americans Shape Nation’s Future
A national coalition has launched “Letters to America,” inviting people ages 14 to 30 to submit essays, videos, speeches, or artwork outlining their views on the country’s future at youth250.org/letters. Submissions should reflect on the nation’s past and present while proposing ideas for the next 250 years in the participant’s own words and format. Selected entries will be shared nationwide on June 27, 2026, as part of National Youth Takeover Day.
Aquarion Sale Approved By Regulators
PURA approved the sale of Eversource-owned Aquarion to a nonprofit entity after initially rejecting it and later reconsidering the case. The change will shift Aquarion from state regulatory oversight to governance by a utility board with limited rate-setting flexibility and internal consumer advocacy. Company projections indicate annual rate increases through 2035 that could significantly raise household water costs over time.
Gas Prices Rise With Oil
Gas prices in the Northeast are rising as oil prices remain elevated due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East and concerns about reduced supply, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz. Crude oil prices have increased by more than $30 per barrel since late February, while U.S. exports have risen to help meet global demand. In Connecticut, gas averages $3.88 per gallon, with national prices near $3.95, both significantly higher than a month ago.
FROM HARTFORD
States Challenge Federal Funding Conditions
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong and 21 other attorneys general are suing the Trump administration over new USDA funding conditions tied to policies on immigration, diversity, and gender identity. The lawsuit argues these conditions are unrelated to the purpose of the funding, are unclear, and violate federal law and the Constitution. The coalition is seeking to block enforcement of the conditions, which affect major food assistance and agricultural programs.
Connecticut Expands Access to Career Training
Governor Ned Lamont announced that Connecticut’s Office of Workforce Strategy will lead implementation of new federal Workforce Pell Grants, which expand financial aid to low-income students enrolled in short-term career training programs. The updated program allows eligibility for courses as short as eight weeks (150–599 hours), provided they meet standards for job placement, completion rates, and wage outcomes. The initiative takes effect July 1, 2026, and will involve coordination among state agencies, educational institutions, and workforce organizations.
