POLICE & FIRE
Firefighters Safely Resolve Propane Leak
Greenwich firefighters responded Tuesday to an underground propane tank leak at an Old Greenwich residence. Crews, hazardous materials personnel and utility workers remained at the scene for nearly four hours while the propane was burned off and the failed relief valve was replaced, with hose lines used to protect nearby properties.
Greenwich Provides Relief During Heat
Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol ended at 5pm Thursday, July 16, after heat index values were forecast to exceed 100 degrees. The Greenwich Public Safety Complex at 11 Bruce Place served as a cooling center, and residents were advised to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity, use air-conditioned spaces and check on vulnerable people. Cooling center information was available through 2-1-1, and medical emergencies should be reported to 911.
Road Cleanup Follows Vehicle Rollover
A seal-coating vehicle overturned Monday morning in the 600 block of Round Hill Road, closing part of the roadway for cleanup. Drivers were advised to avoid the area.
GEMS Celebrates 40-Year Service Milestone
Greenwich Emergency Medical Service marked the 40th anniversary of its founding on July 15 with a ceremony attended by current and former employees, board members and longtime staff. The town issued a proclamation, the state legislative delegation presented a citation, and the GEMS flag was displayed outside Town Hall through July 17.
FROM TOWN HALL
Greenwich Marks Annual Bastille Day
Greenwich held its annual Bastille Day ceremony on July 14, recognizing France’s national holiday, its support during the American Revolution and its role as the United States’ first formal ally. A proclamation was read in both English and in French, and attendees sang the American and French national anthems at the event organized by the Alliance Française of Greenwich.
Footwear Program Supports Greenwich Children
The Greenwich Department of Human Services Fund is accepting donations for its Boots & Shoes Program, which provides footwear to children from income-eligible families before the school year. The program served 185 children last year, and donations may be made online, through the fund’s Amazon Wish List or by mailing a check to the Department of Human Services at 101 Field Point Road.
Greenwich Marks ADA Anniversary Together
Greenwich will mark the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 29 at noon outside Restoration Hardware on Greenwich Avenue. The event will include a proclamation, representatives from the town’s disability advisory committee and Department of Public Works, and an overview of recent accessibility improvements along Greenwich Avenue. Town officials are also considering locations at Town Hall for a statue honoring former Greenwich resident and President George H.W. Bush, who signed the ADA into law in 1990.
AROUND TOWN
Get Involved In Avenue Review
The State Historic Preservation Office has begun reviewing a proposal to demolish three Tudor Revival buildings at 2 Greenwich Ave. and replace them with two four-story buildings containing ground-floor retail space and 14 residential units. The Greenwich Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a nonbinding pre-application review July 21; the proposal was submitted by the developer and is not connected to changes in town zoning or planning policy. The property is within the Greenwich Avenue National Register Historic District, but local commissions cannot prohibit demolition, though the Historic District Commission may delay it for up to 90 days. Residents may watch the Zoom meeting, register to speak, contact the Planning and Zoning Department at 203-622-7894, or submit comments to the State Historic Preservation Office at Todd.Levine@ct.gov and the Attorney General’s Office at Attorney.General@ct.gov.
Greenwich Offices Reach Full Occupancy
Newmark arranged four office leases totaling 23,248 square feet at 777 West Putnam Ave., bringing the 134,000-square-foot Greenwich office building to full occupancy. The transactions included renewals, expansions and relocations involving Knighthead Funding, Knighthead Life Insurance, Wexford Capital and Deccan Capital. The property, formerly the headquarters of Nestlé Waters North America, recently underwent renovations to its lobby, security systems, common areas, café and outdoor patio.
Ashforth Begins Putnam Plaza Management
Albert B. Ashforth Inc. Management Services has been selected by The Halsam Company to manage Putnam Plaza, a 28,300-square-foot retail property at 68-90 East Putnam Ave. in Greenwich. The center is anchored by Whole Foods Market and includes Asiana Café, Salon Mimoza, Starbucks and Choice Pet. Ashforth property manager Jackie Monge will oversee operations with support from Laura Supliski.
Central Greenwich Home Proposal Advances
A Greenwich Planning and Zoning pre-application proposes combining 59, 63 and 75 Maple Avenue with 8 Park Avenue for an 18,631-square-foot single-family residence, guest suite, indoor and outdoor pools, a squash court, tennis court, art gallery and parking for up to 40 vehicles. The homes on the three Maple Avenue parcels have been demolished, while the 1918 house at 8 Park Avenue remains subject to the town’s demolition notice and waiting-period requirements. The project would retain access from Park Avenue and a shared Maple Avenue driveway and would require a special permit because of its proposed size and indoor athletic facilities.
Affordable Housing Plan Moves Forward
The Greenwich Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-0 to approve a modified proposal to add a lower-level affordable unit at 129 Hamilton Avenue, an 1898 two-family house in the R-6 zone. The commission required revisions to provide natural light and ventilation throughout the unit and found that its usable area, approximately 707 square feet, was substantially smaller than the two market-rate apartments. The project may receive administrative approval as assisted housing if the Greenwich Affordable Housing Trust Fund issues a conditional funding commitment.
LOCAL BUSINESSES & NON PROFITS
Greenwich Young Women Explore Careers
Girls With Impact will hold a free career and community service event for Greenwich women ages 14 to 26 on July 22 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Cos Cob Mill Pond Park. Participants will meet with Eagle Point Credit professionals to discuss careers in finance and business and will take part in a park beautification project. High school students may receive community service hours, and advance registration is required.
Alumni Families Support Camp Simmons
The Piro, Schacter, Catalano and Parelli families donated a new grill to Camp Simmons, operated by the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. The grill will be used during summer camp programs.
Bruce Museum Invites Volunteer Docents
The Bruce Museum is seeking volunteers to serve as docents and lead tours and educational programs. The museum’s docent team supports programming that reaches about 30,000 participants each year. Applicants may contact Kathleen Holko at kholko@brucemuseum.org.
Foodshed Subscriptions Expand For Fall
Foodshed CSA Greenwich is accepting subscriptions for August and the fall, offering four-week and 13-week plans for weekly boxes of Connecticut-grown produce from the Northwest Connecticut Food Hub. Pickups will be held Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to noon in the lower parking lot of North Greenwich Congregational Church, 606 Riversville Road. Additional information is available online, and questions may be sent to ali@thefoodshednetwork.org.
Harlem Magic Masters Energize Campers
The Harlem Magic Masters visited the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich’s Clubhouse Camp for a basketball exhibition and game against club staff. The program included ball-handling demonstrations, trick shots and camper participation.
Ada’s Coffee Shop Possibly Reopening
Ada’s Kitchen + Coffee in Riverside could reopen under a redevelopment plan that would renovate the historic shop and expand the neighboring two-family residence. The proposal would use a historic overlay to allow a garage and approximately 2,000 square feet of additional residential space while requiring the former candy and coffee shop to be preserved. The project is expected to return to the Planning & Zoning Commission later this year.
Alpha School Plans Greenwich Campus
Alpha School has submitted a pre-application to open a kindergarten-through-eighth-grade campus at 20 E. Elm St. in Greenwich, with a planned fall 2026 launch. The proposal would convert about 9,220 square feet of former retail space to educational use and would require Planning and Zoning approval, including a special permit and site plan. The private school relies on an AI-assisted model that limits core academic instruction to about two hours each day, with the remaining time assigned to workshops and other activities.
Greenwich Grill Opens In Glenville
Greenwich Grill opened July 15 at 328 Pemberwick Road in Glenville, in the former Centro space. The restaurant serves American food and cocktails and includes a patio overlooking the waterfall at The Mill.
Riverside Garden Club Celebrates Season
The Riverside Garden Club concluded its 2025-26 season with a June 7 event at Putnam Cottage marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. During the year, the club held flower shows, hosted educational programs, maintained gardens at the Riverside train station, created floral displays for Greenwich Symphony performances and led an environmental program for 80 North Mianus School fifth-graders at Binney Park. The club also earned second place in the People’s Choice Award at the Connecticut Flower and Garden Show and recognized members at its annual June luncheon.
Greenwich YMCA Gala Raises $515,000
The YMCA of Greenwich raised more than $515,000 at its April 24 gala at Delamar Greenwich Harbor, which drew more than 220 attendees during the organization’s 110th anniversary year. The YMCA expects to provide nearly $850,000 in scholarships and financial assistance in 2026, including about $500,000 for child care programs. The event also recognized longtime supporter Sandy Waters and was sponsored by several businesses, including presenting sponsor Golub Capital.
Abilis Returns To Island Beach
Abilis is managing the Island Beach Concession Stand for a sixth consecutive summer, employing program participants alongside local teenagers. The stand sells food, drinks and Island Beach-branded clothing, and also rents chairs and umbrellas. It is open daily through Aug. 31 and on weekends from Sept. 5 through Sept. 13, following the town ferry schedule.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Camillo Joins Sound Beach Concert
First Selectman Fred Camillo will serve as a guest conductor during the Sound Beach Community Band’s free July 26 concert at 7 p.m. in Binney Park. The program will feature music by Billy Joel and Elton John and will be led by Music Director Zachary Kampler, with arrangements by Assistant Conductor Lisa Romeo. The performance is part of the Greenwich Department of Parks and Recreation Summer Concert Series.
THE ENVIRONMENT
Byram Branches Grows Native Canopy
The Greenwich Conservation Commission has opened the first application period for Byram Branches, a program offering free native trees to eligible residents in areas of Byram affected by heat and flooding. Interest forms are due Aug. 1, with the first plantings planned for fall 2026 and a second application period expected in spring 2027. Tree availability will depend on site conditions, program capacity and property eligibility.
Greenwich Celebrates Its Treasured Trees
The Greenwich Tree Conservancy is accepting nominations through Aug. 1 for its 2026 Treasured Trees program, which recognizes notable trees on private properties in Greenwich. Selected trees will be added to the conservancy’s official roster, receive commemorative nameplates and be honored at an Oct. 22 reception at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses.
Youth Conservation Program Marks Milestone
The Greenwich Youth Conservation Program marked its 48th year and reported that it has provided more than 4,000 teen jobs since 1978. This summer’s participants planted 21 trees and shrubs at the Montgomery Pinetum while continuing seasonal work in town parks, beaches, preserves and community gardens. Photo credit: Greenwich Youth Conservation
SCHOOLS
Sacred Heart Welcomes Lindsay Gottfried
Sacred Heart Greenwich has appointed Lindsay Gottfried as co-director of college counseling, effective Aug. 17. Gottfried previously worked at New Canaan High School, Léman Manhattan Preparatory School and The Masters School, and holds degrees from Hunter College and George Washington University.
Trungadi Takes New District Role
Greenwich Public Schools appointed Scott Trungadi as educational data and systems program coordinator, effective July 13, succeeding Jennifer Lau. Trungadi will oversee educational data systems, support digital operations and help administrators use data for instructional and operational planning. He previously served as assistant principal at Central Middle School and worked in Manchester Public Schools as a teacher and technology integration specialist.
Hoyt Joins Central Middle Leadership
Shawn Hoyt has been appointed assistant principal of Central Middle School, effective July 13, succeeding Scott Trungadi. Hoyt has worked for Greenwich Public Schools since 2016 and most recently served as science program administrator at Greenwich High School and interim assistant principal at Western Middle School. He began his education career in 2014 and holds degrees from Springfield College and the University of Bridgeport, along with an educational leadership certification from Sacred Heart University.
Local Schools Offer Diverse Opportunities
Local school districts listed 82 job openings as of mid-July, including 30 in athletics and activities, 18 in elementary teaching and 13 in student support services. The listings also included positions in summer school, support staff, leadership, high school teaching, internships and other areas. Openings may reflect vacancies, seasonal work or mandated staffing needs rather than newly created positions.
LOCAL POLITICS
Greenwich Welcomes Volunteers To Serve
Greenwich residents interested in serving on a town board, commission or committee can find application materials and instructions on the Selectmen’s Nomination Advisory Committee website. The site outlines the nomination process and provides the required documents.
OUR NEIGHBORS
Teddy Bear Festival Welcomes Families
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo will hold its Teddy Bear Festival on Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children may bring a stuffed animal to visit the Teddy Bear Clinic, presented with Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital. The event is included with zoo admission and sponsored by the State of Connecticut on behalf of the CHET 529 College Savings Program.
ACROSS CT
House Advances Permanent Daylight Saving
The U.S. House voted 308-117 on July 14 to approve legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent nationwide and end the twice-yearly clock changes, but the measure still requires Senate approval and the president’s signature. The proposal would give Connecticut later winter sunsets and later sunrises, while medical organizations generally favor permanent standard time because morning light more closely aligns with circadian rhythms and solar time. Congress tested year-round daylight saving time during the 1974 energy crisis but restored standard time for the darkest winter months after concerns about children traveling to school before sunrise and uncertainty over energy savings.
Connecticut Responds To Wildfire Smoke
Wildfire smoke from Canada moved across Connecticut on Wednesday, July 15, raising fine-particle pollution to levels considered unhealthy for sensitive groups in several coastal communities, including Greenwich. The smoke reduced visibility, changed the color of the sky and was expected to remain in the region through Thursday, July 16.
FROM HARTFORD
Eversource Outlines Grid Investment Proposal
Eversource has asked Connecticut regulators to approve a rate increase that could raise average residential electric bills by up to 18 percent. Excluding storm-related costs from 2018 to 2023, the company is seeking about $451 million in additional annual revenue, which could increase residential bills by roughly 11 percent, or $20 per month, beginning July 1, 2027. A separate securitization proposal under review by regulators could reduce the immediate bill impact by financing storm costs through bonds repaid over time.
Connecticut Expands Free Summer Meals
Free summer meals are available to all Connecticut children age 18 and younger at participating sites, with no application, identification or proof of income required. Families can find locations through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Meals Site Finder or by calling 2-1-1, and should confirm hours before visiting.
