May is National Mental Health Awareness Month!
POLICE & FIRE
2022 Dr. John Clarke Police Awardees
The annual Dr. John Clarke Police Award recognizes the outstanding service of a member of the department and is named after Dr. John Clarke, a founder and the first president of the Greenwich Lions. The 2022 recipients are Officers Allen Arrington and Ryan Daly who investigate financial crimes, identity theft, and related fraud investigations. Their investigations have led to over 70 felony arrests and several firearms recovered, and they have identified numerous victims of identity theft.
GPD Sgt. Retires
Sergeant Sean O’Donnell retired from the Greenwich Police Department after serving for almost 30 years. He joined the department in March 1994 and was promoted to Sergeant in November of 2009. During his career, he served in the Patrol Division and Marine Section and was also a member of the Greenwich Police Department Honor Guard. Sgt. O’Donnell received several awards and citations for his service in the Town of Greenwich. Sgt. O’Donnell will continue to serve Greenwich as a Special Police Officer, demonstrating his dedication to the town.
Nomination for Deputy Chief to be Considered by Board of Selectmen
Captain Mark Zuccerella has been nominated by Greenwich Police Chief Heavey for consideration by the Board of Selectmen to be promoted to Deputy Chief. Chief Heavey said it was not easy to select from internal and external candidates. Zuccerella was promoted from Lieutenant to Captain in August 2020.
FROM TOWN HALL
50th Anniversary of the End of the Vietnam War Ceremony
The office of Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz is organizing a ceremony to commemorate the 50-year anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. The ceremony will take place on May 15 at 4 p.m. at the Arch Street Teen Center in Greenwich, and local veterans who served during the Vietnam era are invited to attend. The Lt. Gov.’s office has sent letters to veterans, but anyone who knows a veteran who may be interested is encouraged to inform them about the event. Veterans who plan to attend are asked to RSVP by May 7 by calling or emailing the executive assistant Ken Borsuk at 203-622-7702 or ken.borsuk@greenwichct.org.
Beach Season Begins
Beach season has begun, and residents can use their active OnePass or single-entry tickets to enter the town’s beaches. The OnePass pass allows access to parks, beaches, tennis, pickleball courts, marinas, and the town golf course. Residents can purchase park tickets online or in person at 94 Strickland Road. The town has prohibited dogs at Greenwich Point or Byram Beach for the season, but plans are in the works to build a second dog park.
DPW Work in OG
Department of Public Works is planning a new drainage project in Old Greenwich which will necessitate the closure of sections of Tomac Avenue and Forest Avenue. The work is needed to improve the town’s drainage system and reduce flooding. Two detours have been proposed, and the project is expected to begin in mid-to-late May and take three months to complete.
AROUND TOWN
Armstrong Court Redevelopment Project Receives Credit
Greenwich Communities, formerly known as the Housing Authority of the Town of Greenwich, has received $13.5 million in 9% Housing Tax Credits from the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) for Armstrong Court Phase 4. The gut renovation of 54 units will cost $27.8 million. This is part of the larger 144-unit Armstrong Court redevelopment project consisting of four phases. Phase I was completed in June 2020, Phase II and IV are creating two and three-bedroom apartments, while Phase III is still under construction and set to be completed this year.
Sound Beach Avenue Bridge Replacement Project Completed
The Sound Beach Avenue bridge replacement project was celebrated this past Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The bridge, built in 1925, had fallen into disrepair, leading to the project. The replacement cost $2.5m and was funded through the Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP) grant from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Flooding around the bridge was corrected, structural and hydraulic deficiencies were fixed, and additional drainage structures were added to improve runoff. A sidewalk was relocated, and new landscaping was implemented on all four corners of the bridge. The Greenwich Department of Public Works also installed new accessible pedestrian signal devices and five new decorative crosswalks.
Art to the Avenue Returns
Art to the Avenue, organized by Greenwich Arts Council, returns for its 26th year this month. Local businesses along Greenwich Avenue will showcase artwork from about 50 artists from New York and Connecticut, and 30% of sales from displayed artwork will benefit GAC programs. The event will run through May 29, and merchants and participating artists will hold opening receptions and meet and greets starting on Thursday. The event supports local business and combines art with retail, creating a beautiful atmosphere showcasing local artists, said Marcia O’Kane, president and CEO of the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce.
Health Inspectors Come to Greenwich
Health inspectors visited approximately 150 restaurants in Greenwich, Connecticut in the first quarter of 2023. On a scale of 100, a score of 80 is considered a failing mark that requires immediate corrections, and none of the restaurants received a score below that and no restaurants require re-inspections.
North Street Bridge Set to be Replaced in Spring 2024
Greenwich’s North Street Bridge needs to be replaced due to the damages from the flood during tropical storm Ida in 2021. DPW is expected to start replacing the bridge in spring 2024 with a $3 million budget. The repair will take 18 months and traffic will be funneled through a single lane during construction. Some residents are concerned about the flooding in the area and want the town to address it in a more systematic way. DPW officials said the flooding concerns are valid, but partially misdirected at the bridge. The replacement cost is expected to be covered by a grant from a state initiative called the Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program.
South Stanwich Road to Temporarily Close This Month
South Stanwich Road will be closed for two days in May to allow workers from Aquarion Water Company to move a barge into and then out of Rockwood Reservoir, as part of a pipeline replacement project. AECOM, an engineering firm working on behalf of Aquarion, expects to close the single-lane bridge over the water on May 15 and 19 for at least eight hours on each day. Traffic will be diverted to North Stanwich Road during the closures.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Nonprofit – GG&C with Eldridge Industries Care for Pemberwick Park
Greenwich Green & Clean (GG&C) partnered with Eldridge Industries, a financial investment firm with its headquarters in Greenwich, for an Earth Day volunteer project at Pemberwick Park. A team of eight volunteers from Eldridge Industries contributed their time and effort to care for the park, which is also the location of the GG&C office.
Nonprofit – YNHH Physicians Named Top Doctors in USA, 108 from Greenwich Hospital
A total of 660 physicians affiliated with Yale New Haven Health, including 108 from Greenwich Hospital, have been selected for Connecticut Magazine’s 2023 Top Doctors in America. The list was created through a partnership with Castle Connolly, a national healthcare research firm, and was based on nominations from the physicians’ peers and a vetting process. The full list can be found in the May 2023 issue of Connecticut Magazine and more information on the Greenwich Hospital doctors can be found on the hospital’s website.
Nonprofit – Avon Theatre Essay Scholarship Contest
The Avon Theatre Film Center Board of Directors is hosting its 14th Annual Scholarship Awards Essay Contest with prizes worth $8,500. The contest is open to high school seniors in both public and private schools in Fairfield and Westchester Counties who are graduating in Spring 2023. Students are required to submit a 500-to-750-word essay on “Film Matters” based on a film they have watched in 2022 or 2023 and write about its personal impact. The essays will be judged by a panel of professional journalists, published authors, editors, educators, and filmmakers. The first-place winner will receive $2,000, the second-place winner will receive $1,500, and the third-place winner will receive $1,000. There will also be eight Honorable Mention winners at $500 each. The deadline for submissions is May 5, 2023.
Business – Greenwich Play Opens in OG
Greenwich Play, a family-focused interior design service, has opened its 1200-square-foot space at 180 Sound Beach Ave in Old Greenwich, Connecticut. The company guides clients through the planning, design, construction, and occupancy phases of the design-build process. The business aims to create functional spaces throughout the home that the whole family can enjoy. The company offers consultations over the phone, in person, or in the showroom.
Business – Mike’s Organic Opens in Cos Cob
Mike’s Organic has opened its first retail location in Cos Cob, Connecticut. The 2,000-square-foot store features fresh, local produce, meats and eggs, grass-fed dairy, wild fish, pantry selections, vegan and gluten-free options, and prepared foods. The store also provides ready-to-eat prepared foods from the Made by Mike’s line. Mike’s Organic is known for its mission to support small local farmers, artisans, and producers.
Nonprofit – BGCG Seeks Use of Teen Center
The Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich (BGCG) has requested the use of the Arch Street Teen Center while the club undergoes major renovations to its facility. BGCG CEO Cristina Vittoria made the request at a recent meeting of the Greenwich Board of Selectmen. If approved, BGCG will host a modified after-school program at the Teen Center starting in August 2023 and running through January 2025. Approximately 100 to 150 members, ages 6-18, would be served.
Business – Planet Pizza Makes Moves
Planet Pizza, a longtime business at Railroad Plaza next to the Greenwich train station, is relocating to the Stop and Shop Plaza at 139 W. Putnam Ave. in Central Greenwich. Several other businesses at Railroad Avenue have closed as their leases were not renewed in preparation for a major renovation of the structure by The Ashforth Company. The new Planet Pizza location is expected to be up and running by the second week of June, and deliveries would continue without interruption. The new location will have a larger kitchen and more parking, and the menu and workers will remain the same.
Business – Two Stores
Greenwich Plaza’s Gym Source and Rink and Racket Close for New Development
Two long-standing stores in Greenwich Plaza, Gym Source and Rink and Racket, have closed down, as The Ashforth Company prepares to demolish the old movie theater and build a new restaurant and additional retail space at the site. Gym Source will be moving to its nearest outlet on Central Park Avenue in White Plains, New York, and hopes to open another store in southern Connecticut in the near future.
SCHOOLS
YWCA Greenwich Awards Racial Justice Scholarships
The YWCA Greenwich held its Stand Against Racism event on Friday where Greenwich Schools Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones presented Gender and Racial Justice Scholarships to seven students who are promoting inclusiveness and anti-racism in their schools through various methods such as dance, leadership roles, and advocacy. Those scholarship winners were Anakhu Heru and Jamilah Roselin, Greenwich Academy; Molly Kriskey, Josie Orr, Katrina Cheng-Slater, Sacred Heart Greenwich; and Clipper Singsen and Jordyn Sesler, GCDS.
Japanese American Imprisonment Survivor Speaks at GHS
Last Thursday, Sam Mihara, a second-generation Japanese American man who was imprisoned at a prison camp in Wyoming for three years during World War II, was a guest speaker at an assembly for all sophomores at Greenwich High School. Mr. Mihara is a national speaker who shares his experiences and lessons learned from his time in prison camp with audiences nationwide. During the assembly, he discussed the reasons for the mass imprisonment of Japanese Americans, his experiences in the camp, and the lessons he learned from the experience.
GCDS Commencement Speaker Announced
Greenwich Country Day School has announced that its 2023 commencement speaker will be alumnus Matt Dalio, who founded Endless Networks in 2011. The network aims to expand access to technology to young people worldwide. GCDS’s 2023 commencement ceremony is scheduled to take place on June 8.
GA Considers Expanding Shuttle Bus Program
Greenwich Academy is considering expanding its shuttle bus program in response to a potential bump in enrollment. Preliminary plans for a “trial busing program” have been filed with the town planning department to serve students in the Greenwich area and to augment the existing busing program. The goal of the expanded program is to “maximize potential benefits to the traffic flow on campus and in the surrounding neighborhood.” The school has an enrollment of around 800 students and may increase its capacity by 100 students in the coming years.
Preservation Hall Brass Band Visits Greenwich Schools
Members of the Preservation Hall Brass Band from New Orleans visited Brunswick Upper School and Greenwich High School to engage in an education initiative with music students ahead of the annual Greenwich Town Party, where the Preservation Hall Super Jam will be performing. The all-star New Orleans jazz artist line-up includes the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Wyclef Jean, Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, and Ivan Neville. The Preservation Hall Brass Band will be part of the first-ever GTP parade, led by the Preservation Hall Brass Band and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Students will also perform together on the Town Stage during the actual town party on May 27.
SPORTS
GHS Softball Team Earns First FCIAC Victory
Greenwich High School’s softball team secured their second win of the season and their first win against FCIAC competition with a 6-3 victory over Darien on Monday. The Cardinals took an early lead, scoring four runs in the first inning and two more in the second inning. Junior Gianna Toscano led the team with two RBIs and went 2 for 3 at the plate.
GCDS Girls Lacrosse Team Aims for Postseason Success
The Greenwich Country Day School girls lacrosse team has a 6-3 record and is aiming to repeat their success in the postseason after advancing to the semifinal-round of the FAA Tournament in 2022. The team recently celebrated Senior Day, honoring their six seniors who played pivotal roles in their latest victory against Millbrook School.
GHS Girls Tennis Team Remains Undefeated
The Greenwich High School girls tennis team defeated Bridgeport Central with a 7-0 sweep on Monday, remaining undefeated with an 11-0 record overall and a 10-0 record in FCIAC competition. Junior Kyra Dybas, senior Ivanna Diez de Bonilla, freshman Shining Sun, and senior Mei McGuinness all posted 6-0, 6-0 wins in their singles matches.
GHS Boys Tennis Team Stays Undefeated
The Greenwich High School boys tennis team won their match against Bridgeport Central, remaining undefeated with a 10-0 record. The Cardinals swept the match with a 7-0 victory, with Volodymyr Dombrovskyi, Manuel Galli Specos, Eli Norton, and Bruce Lunder winning their singles matches.
Brunswick Lacrosse Team Improves to 9-3
The Brunswick School lacrosse team won against The Hill Academy and Trinity-Pawling School, improving their record to 9-3. The Bruins won 18-11 against The Hill Academy after a strong second-half performance. The first quarter saw a close exchange of goals with Brunswick leading by one, 3-2.
GHS Girls Lacrosse Team Triumphs Over Staples
The Greenwich High School girls lacrosse team won against Staples with a score of 13-8, improving their overall record to 6-2 and 4-2 in the FCIAC. Junior midfielder Emma Abbazia scored four goals and provided one assist during the game, while the team’s attack and defense performed well despite the inclement weather conditions.
GHS Girls Water Polo Team Remains Undefeated
Greenwich High School’s girls water polo team celebrated Senior Day with a decisive 22-5 victory over neighboring rival, Greenwich Academy, on Friday. The Cardinals, who are undefeated this season, also secured wins against Williston-Northampton School and Phillips Andover Academy, bringing their record to 9-0. Senior co-captain Emma Gustafsson contributed seven goals and two assists to the victory.
Brunswick Baseball Team Wins Against King School
The Brunswick School baseball team won against King School with a score of 9-4 in an FAA game held on Tuesday. The Bruins’ record is now 4-2 in the FAA and 9-4 overall. Senior Player Crosby started on the mound and gave a great performance, allowing only two runs in 4 2/3 innings while striking out seven. Seniors Sam Sealy and Liam Butler combined for pitching relief and had six strikeouts.
Brunswick Crew Team Wins Varsity Eight Event
The Brunswick School crew team won the Varsity Eight event against Lawrenceville School in New Jersey and retained The Service Cup. The race was close at the start but Brunswick was able to slowly pull ahead and win with a time of 4:29.3, while Lawrenceville finished with a time of 4:32.1. Brunswick also won the 2nd Eight event with a time of 4:45.3, leading wire-to-wire, while Lawrenceville finished 2.7 seconds behind.
GHS Boys Volleyball Team Triumphs Over Danbury
The Greenwich High School boys volleyball team defeated Danbury 3-1 in an FCIAC match on Friday. Senior Nico Carlson scored 12 kills and four blocks, while Jack Konigsberg, a senior, notched 32 assists for the Cardinals. The team’s record now stands at 3-5. They will play their next match against Westhill on Monday.
GHS Baseball Team Secures Victory Over New Canaan
Greenwich High School’s baseball team won against New Canaan with a score of 7-5. The Cardinals were trailing initially but made a comeback using a pitching performance from Troy Goodwin and clutch hitting. They scored two runs in the sixth inning to take the lead. Goodwin pitched for six innings, allowing nine hits and striking out nine batters.
GHS Boys Lacrosse Team Secures Road Victory
Greenwich High School’s boys lacrosse team won a 14-10 road victory over Notre Dame-West Haven after trailing by two goals at halftime. The Cardinals, who improved to 5-4, scored 10 goals in the second half, including five consecutive goals to end the game. Sophomore attack Colin Zeller led the scoring with four goals.
Sacred Heart Greenwich Defeats Greenwich Academy
Sacred Heart Greenwich beat Greenwich Academy in a high-intensity lacrosse game on Wednesday, winning 12-7 at Sacred Heart. Sacred Heart secured a well-deserved victory over Greenwich Academy in a match-up that involved two of the most respected high school squads in the country. The win came as a result of a team effort, with balanced scoring and an impressive defensive performance.
GHS Boys Lacrosse Team Ends Three-Game Losing Streak
Greenwich High School’s boys lacrosse team won against Fairfield Ludlowe 12-5, with sophomore Colin Zeller scoring five goals. This victory helped the team break their three-game losing streak. The win came after a close one-goal loss against Mamaroneck.
GHS Girls Rugby Team Ties Simsbury
The Greenwich High School girls rugby team tied Simsbury with a score of 29-29 in a recent game. Despite missing key players due to injuries, the team put forth a determined performance, with junior Lara Olmsted scoring the team’s first try. Simsbury took a 24-5 lead at halftime, but the Cardinals made a comeback in the second half to tie the game. Although the team was denied the win by a missed conversion hitting the crossbar, they demonstrated grit and determination throughout the game.
FROM HARTFORD
AG Tong Files Amicus Brief w/ 24 Others in Support of Mifepristone
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong and a coalition of 24 attorneys general have filed an amicus brief in the US Circuit Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit to protect access to medication abortion. They argue against a decision made by a district court judge in Texas, which could harm Americans’ access to the medication abortion drug, mifepristone. The coalition also argues that the FDA’s determination that mifepristone is safe and effective is supported by medical consensus developed over two decades of use. The lower court ruling would harm millions of Americans, especially underserved groups. Connecticut has ensured that patients’ rights to access abortion are clear, and providers can prescribe mifepristone.
CT Receives Money From Tobacco Master Settlement
The State of Connecticut has received over $124.6 million in its annual payment from the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement. The settlement directs payments to the states and territories in perpetuity so long as cigarettes are sold by tobacco companies participating in the agreement. The payments are intended to compensate participating states for health care costs that the states pay on behalf of residents suffering from smoking-related illnesses. Attorney General William Tong has called on the state to increase its spending to prevent youth smoking and vaping and to assist Connecticut residents of any age in their efforts to stop smoking or vaping.
PURA Approves Performance-Based Regulation Framework
Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has approved a final decision as part of its development of a performance-based regulation framework for the state’s electric distribution companies. The Take Back Our Grid Act required PURA to develop the framework in an effort to increase accountability among utility companies following widespread and prolonged service disruptions caused by Tropical Storm Isaias. Governor Ned Lamont, Senator Norm Needleman, and Representative Jonathan Steinberg all praised the decision, saying it will ensure that earnings and profits of utility companies are tied to good performance and certain penalties can be enacted amid extensive service disruptions.
