POLICE & FIRE
Grinch Arrested
Following what appeared to be a hot bicycle pursuit, the GPD successfully apprehended The Grinch of Greenwich. Hopefully, he’s learned his lesson and won’t be causing a further ruckus.
Local Toy Drive Benefits Children
The GPD thanks everyone for the success of their first Holiday Toy Drive day. They invite those who couldn’t attend the Stuff-A-Cruiser event to drop off gifts at their lobby at 11 Bruce Place. These donations will benefit Barbara’s House, an organization dedicated to providing holiday joy to Greenwich children. Additional information about Barbara’s House can be found on their website: https://www.barbarashousect.org/
Greenwich Fire Department Opens Recruitment
The Greenwich Fire Department is conducting a recruitment drive this coming spring and summer (2024). Registration for the Spring 2024 Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) sessions opens on February 1, 2024, including special test-day sessions on April 11th and April 13th. Orientation sessions for aspiring firefighters commence on March 7 and March 9, 2024. To participate, individuals must create an Acadis portal account at http://cfa.acadisonline.com. The CPAT Training Center is located in Meriden, CT, and inquiries can be directed to Joseph Nadeau at 860-264-9268 or joseph.nadeau@ct.gov. It presents an opportunity for service in Greenwich, where acts of courage abound.
Greenwich Firefighters Contain Structure Blaze
Late this past week, Greenwich Professional Firefighters responded to a structure fire in a non-hydrant district in backcountry Greenwich. Engine 8 faced heavy smoke coming from a large residence and initiated an interior attack with the help of Ladder 4 from Truck 1. They managed to contain the fire, preventing further damage to the attic and roof. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Greenwich Fire Marshals are currently investigating the incident, with multiple units working together to control the fire and ensure community safety.
FROM TOWN HALL
Tree Removal Approved for Remediation
A public hearing was conducted to discuss the removal of 176 trees at 1 Western Junior Highway, as required by Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 451, Section 23-59. The Town of Greenwich, represented by the Board of Education Department and Langan Engineering, requested the removal due to soil remediation needs related to an athletic field project. During the hearing, experts presented information about the project’s scope, soil contamination issues, and plans for restoring the area after remediation, including tree species and planting locations. Following careful consideration, the Tree Warden approved the tree removal with specified conditions including “all Tree and vegetation amounts will need to be adhered to as per the approved Planning and Zoning planting plan;” and “prior to any changes to vegetation such; as species selection, plant size, and noted location will need to be discussed with and approved by the Tree Warden” as specified in the notice of final decision.
CT Energy Assistance Program Benefits
The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is a valuable resource for residents who need help heating their homes during the winter. CEAP’s mission is to ensure that all Connecticut residents have access to heating even in cold conditions. The application process is relatively quick, taking 30 to 45 minutes. CEAP provides financial support for heating bills, ranging from $180 to $530 depending on individual circumstances. These funds are typically directed to utility companies or fuel suppliers. Additionally, households using deliverable fuels like oil or propane may be eligible for free tank fills to stay warm in the winter. For more information, visit https://linktr.ee/greenwichdhs or contact your GDHS Case Manager for assistance.
Recreation Division Hotline Provides Updates
Greenwich’s Recreation Division provides a weather cancelation hotline available by calling 203-861-6100. The hotline offers reliable information about weather-related cancellations and closures and updates before the Recreation Sports Website.
Greenwich EMAC Partners with SmartPower
The Greenwich Energy Management Advisory Committee (EMAC) has teamed up with SmartPower, a non-profit organization, to inform local homeowners about a “solar+storage” program in Connecticut. EMAC will host a PowerSmart Greenwich Info Session on December 18th to explain how home battery systems can be combined with solar panels for dependable power, including during outages. Attendees will also receive information on financial resources for renewable energy projects. The event features a virtual presentation by Bob Wall, Vice President of SmartPower, at 6:00 pm. Additional details can be found on the Town of Greenwich website.
Snow Sculpture Contest Open
The 12th Annual Snow Sculpture Contest in Greenwich invites residents to create snow sculptures, submit photos by March 1, and potentially have their work featured on the Town of Greenwich media platforms. For more details, visit www.greenwichct.gov/parksandrec.
Greenwich’s Holiday Season Starts Festively
The town kicked off the holiday season on November 26 with the “Brunch with Santa” event at the Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center. Santa and his team took photos with guests. The event was sponsored by companies like Pepsi, Chicken Joe’s, and Starbucks. Its main focus was bringing the Greenwich community together and providing a joyful experience, especially for children meeting Santa. It marked the beginning of the holiday season.
Town Discusses Proposed Rink Relocation
In a recent Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, a proposal to change the layout of the Hamill Rink and Strazza ball field was discussed. The proposal involved relocating the rink and subsequently moving the ball field, but it raised concerns as it resembled a previous plan from 2021. The new proposal omitted a new access road but introduced a walking path. The decision to return to the “flip layout” was explained by concerns about rock disturbance and ADA requirements, with cost-effectiveness cited as a reason. Commissioners emphasized the need to balance recreation and environmental concerns, with a focus on preserving open space and community character.
Funding Considered for Multi-Use Trail
The Greenwich Representative Town Meeting will discuss allocating $338,000 for the planning and design of a 2.5-mile multi-use trail from Binney Park in Old Greenwich to Boccuzzi Park in Stamford. The meeting is scheduled for December 11th at Central Middle School, with remote access available via Greenwich Community Television and Zoom. Approximately 80% of the budget is expected to be reimbursed through a state grant, and the remaining funds will be divided between Greenwich and Stamford based on their trail lengths. Greenwich intends to engage the community in the design phase, estimated to last 12 to 18 months, concluding in the first half of 2025. This project has received support from Governor Ned Lamont and is part of a $9 million initiative to create 50 multi-use trails across Connecticut, aiming to promote regional connectivity and equal access to the state’s natural landscapes.
Greenwich Selectmen Renew Commitment Together
At Greenwich High School, the Board of Selectmen reaffirmed their dedication to improving the town during a recent ceremony. Fred Camillo, the First Selectman, and Selectwoman Lauren Rabin are beginning their third terms, while Selectperson Janet Stone McGuigan is starting her second. In their speeches, Camillo highlighted Greenwich’s resilience through past challenges and outlined plans for enhancing pedestrian safety and fostering public-private partnerships. Rabin expressed a desire for increased resident engagement and better communication, and Stone McGuigan committed to civility, transparency, and representing diverse perspectives. State Sen. Ryan Fazio commended the community’s involvement, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement in Greenwich.
AROUND TOWN
Real World Filmmaking students, led by Mrs. Ellyn Stewart, apply their technical skills to address real-world issues. Debra McLaughlin, a former Sacred Heart Greenwich community member and Meals on Wheels board member, asked the class to create a PSA for the organization, which provides affordable, nutritious meals to Greenwich residents in need. Amanda C ’24 and Callie R ’26’s proposal was selected, resulting in an informative and inspiring PSA for Meals on Wheels. Their work received recognition and was featured on the organization’s platforms.
Winter Irrigation Reduction Promotes Safety
During winter, property owners are urged to limit their use of lawn sprinklers and irrigation to prevent icy sidewalks, which pose risks to pedestrians.
Samuel Ferris House Listed for Sale
The Samuel Ferris House, built in 1760, is listed for sale at $895,000 in Riverside, Greenwich. It holds local historic property status, protected by the Greenwich Historic District Commission. The listing is managed by Martha Z. Jeffrey and Anne Ogilvy of Sotheby’s International Realty Greenwich Brokerage. This 18th-century house has historical significance, including stories of offering shelter to troops during the Revolutionary War, emphasizing the value of historical preservation.
Local Sidewalk Restored Through Community Effort
A local family business and town officials collaborated to restore a neglected sidewalk connecting Parsonage Cottage Senior Residence and the Nathaniel Witherell campus, ensuring safety for residents. First Selectman Fred Camillo and Greenwich Communities Chairman Sam Romeo addressed a resident’s concern regarding the deteriorating sidewalk, despite budget limitations. Stamford-based A. Vitti Excavators volunteered to repair the sidewalk on November 27th at no cost.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Local Family Continues Tradition of Hope
During this holiday season, a local family continues a heartwarming tradition that brings hope to older teens battling life-threatening illnesses at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital. This tradition was originally initiated by Luke McQuillan, now a college student, the project now receives support from a local family, honoring Luke and Vivienne, who shared the same compassionate oncologist, Dr. Asher Marks at Yale. Dr. Marks aimed to make the hospital experience enjoyable by providing toys and treats. Donations can be made online at https://diy.ynhh.org/campaign/Vivienne_Finn and age-appropriate gifts can be donated by emailing Mairead Finn at finn@snet.net by December 20th. These contributions support Yale’s Child Life Staff in enhancing the Child Life program. Acceptable donations include Echo Dots, Portable Speakers, Cozy PJ Bottoms, Makeup Bags, and Bedroom String Lights.
Students Create Inspiring PSA for Meals on Wheels
Real World Filmmaking students, led by Mrs. Ellyn Stewart, apply their technical skills to address real-world issues. Debra McLaughlin, a former Sacred Heart Greenwich community member and Meals on Wheels board member, asked the class to create a PSA for the organization, which provides affordable, nutritious meals to Greenwich residents in need. Amanda C ’24 and Callie R ’26’s proposal was selected, resulting in an informative and inspiring PSA for Meals on Wheels. Their work received recognition and was featured on the organization’s platforms.
Greenwich Food Drive Supports Children
The Fill-a-Bag, Feed a Child initiative in Greenwich, organized by Neighbor to Neighbor, aims to provide assistance during the holiday season. NtN is accepting contributions from the community until December 18th to help those in need. Neighbor to Neighbor is committed to addressing food scarcity and ensuring that families have access to food during the Christmas to New Year period. The initiative focuses on supporting vulnerable children by providing them with food. They have set up a virtual drive to make contributing easier, highlighting the importance of community and compassion in Greenwich.
Chabad’s Annual Hannukah Menorah Lighting
The Chabad Lubavitch’s annual Hannukah Menorah lighting event will be held tomorrow, December 9th at 6:15 PM. The event will be held at the intersection of Greenwich Ave and Arch Street, outside the former US Post Office (now RH), and is open to the community. Following the Menorah lighting, there will be a Unity Concert featuring rapper Nissim Black at the Chabad Center. Attendees are encouraged to bring menorahs and enjoy Chanukah gelt. The event is free and open to all, with ticket options for the Unity Concert available on the Chabad’s website.
Chanukah Assistance and Donations Update
During Chanukah, UJA-JCC is assisting families in need by partnering with Schoke JFS of Fairfield County. Families have submitted wish lists online, and donations can be made by purchasing requested items. The UJA-JCC Greenwich Women’s Philanthropy group is also collecting warm items for local Holocaust survivors. Donations are accepted until December 14th at the UJA-JCC office.
Greenwich Land Trust Expands Conservation
The Greenwich Land Trust has acquired 143 acres of land from The Nature Conservancy in Connecticut, bringing their total conservation portfolio to 1,000 acres. This land includes ten parcels along the Byram River with diverse ecosystems like hardwood forests and wetlands.
Greenwich United Way Opens Applications
Greenwich United Way in Connecticut is currently accepting applications from nonprofit organizations for community impact grants. The application window is open from December 15 to January 15. Each year, they allocate nearly $1 million to support local health, education, and self-sufficiency programs through partnerships with various agencies. The grant allocation process involves a committee of volunteers who review applications and conduct site visits for assessment, making data-driven decisions based on the Greenwich United Way Needs Assessment Report. Interested organizations can contact Vice President of Community Impact Robert Moore for further information.
Town Zoning Amended to Allow Museum Alcohol Service
The Bruce Museum has pursued obtaining a liquor license for its café recently in the face of conflicting local and state regulations. Attorney Bruce Cohen represented the museum and submitted a petition to adjust town regulations to align with the state’s policy on nonprofit museum liquor permits. These permits allow public nonprofit museums to serve alcohol, but the town’s zoning rules did not acknowledge them. The commission approved Cohen’s proposed changes, allowing nonprofit museums, including the Bruce Museum, to serve alcohol once they obtain state liquor licenses. The amendments depend on state licensing, and potential objections may affect the timeline for the Bruce Museum to acquire its liquor license.
Trimper Gallery Art Exhibition
The Trimper Gallery is hosting an art exhibition on Friday, December 8th, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The event features artists like Damien Hirst and KAWS; bringing together artists, buyers, investors, curators, designers, and art enthusiasts.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Ashley Malkin Receives STEM Honors
Greenwich High School junior Ashley Malkin recently received the 2023 National Center for Women In Technology Impact Award for her work in promoting STEM education among young girls through the “ScienceGirls!” mentoring program. This program has benefited over 175 elementary school girls. Ashley is also preparing for the upcoming ScienceGirls! workshop at Greenwich Library, focusing on introducing girls to artificial intelligence. She was honored with the 2023 Petit Family Foundation Women in Science Leadership Award from the Connecticut Science Center and had her research published by the International Brain Research Organization in the field of neuroscience and machine learning.
SCHOOLS
Students Create Inspiring PSA for Meals on Wheels
Real World Filmmaking students, led by Mrs. Ellyn Stewart, apply their technical skills to address real-world issues. Debra McLaughlin, a former Sacred Heart Greenwich community member and Meals on Wheels board member, asked the class to create a PSA for the organization, which provides affordable, nutritious meals to Greenwich residents in need. Amanda C ’24 and Callie R ’26’s proposal was selected, resulting in an informative and inspiring PSA for Meals on Wheels. Their work received recognition and was featured on the organization’s platforms.
GHS Launches Brick Campaign Fundraiser
The Greenwich High School Entryway Committee has launched the GHS Brick Campaign, offering residents the chance to purchase personalized bricks to honor students past, present, or future. The campaign aims to raise funds for beautifying the school’s entryway, including benches, tables, and a greenwall, as part of a broader security-enhancement project. Each brick costs $300 and can feature up to two lines of text with a maximum of 18 characters per line. The campaign has already sold 230 bricks, raising $69,600 of its goal, with a total of 500 bricks available for purchase until December 22nd. To participate in the campaign, visit https://greenwichhspta.membershiptoolkit.com/packet/54784101.
2024 GPS Distinguished Teacher Awards Nominations Open
Do you know educators, social workers, guidance counselors, instructional coaches, or specialists deserving of the 2024 Greenwich Public Schools Distinguished Teacher Awards? It’s time to start evaluating their qualifications and focusing on their interactions with students. For criteria and nomination instructions, visit the Distinguished Teacher Awards website.
Dr. Kristie Lynch Named Professional of the Year
Dr. Kristie Lynch, a physical education instructor at Hamilton Avenue School, was awarded the “Professional of the Year” by the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (NYS AHPERD) at their 85th annual conference in Verona, NY. NYS AHPERD recognizes professionals for their leadership, teaching, program development, research, and commitment to excellence. The conference, attended by nearly 1,500 professionals, focuses on physical and health education insights.
Preliminary Town Budget Shows Minor Increase
Finance officials presented a preliminary budget for the upcoming year with a slight spending increase, described as “flat.” The Board of Estimate and Taxation Budget Committee unanimously approved the budget guidelines during a meeting to inform town departments. The proposed budget is $505.5 million, primarily for town services and school operational expenses. Town department costs will rise by 3 percent, while Greenwich Public Schools will receive a 4.3 percent increase, less than Superintendent Toni Jones’s 6.5 percent request. The budget also includes a $140 million capital spending plan and a mill rate of 11.782. Further discussions and adjustments are expected before the final budget is determined in March.
Greenwich Denied Waiver for K-3 Literacy Curriculum
Greenwich’s request to opt out of Connecticut’s mandated K-3 reading curriculum faces a setback as the state denied their waiver due to a comprehension deficiency. Superintendent Toni Jones expressed disappointment, but the state acknowledged that four out of five requirements were met. The state recommends resubmitting the waiver with strong data on the Foundation’s reading comprehension program for potential approval. The Right to Read legislation, enacted in June 2021, gives the state authority over literacy efforts, allowing districts to request waivers if they deem their programs equally effective as state recommendations.
Board of Education Deadlocked on Chair
Last Thursday, the Board of Education faced a deadlock in electing its chair. The chair’s election required five out of eight votes, and failing to reach this consensus would transfer the decision to the Board of Selectmen. Two candidates, Karen Hirsh and Karen Kowalski, were nominated for the role, with their respective strengths highlighted by party members. Despite efforts, the board remains deadlocked, delaying the election of other officers, and they have a limited timeframe to resolve the impasse before the Board of Selectmen takes control. The situation continues to unfold, reflecting the board’s ongoing struggle for consensus.
SPORTS
GHS Cardinals Fall Short in Semifinals
Despite a hard-fought season with a record of 10-2 and a previous state championship under their belt, the Greenwich Cardinals fell short in the Class LL semifinals against West Haven, losing 26-13. The game started promisingly for Greenwich with an early touchdown, but they struggled to maintain their momentum due to penalties and West Haven’s strong defense. West Haven’s big plays, including a 77-yard touchdown pass, ultimately secured their spot in the state championship game against Staples. Greenwich reflected on their season with pride and thanked their dedicated senior class for their efforts.
Sacred Heart Tigers Triumph Over Hotchkiss
In a thrilling start to the 2023-2024 season, Sacred Heart Greenwich’s varsity basketball team secured a 62-51 victory over NEPSAC rival Hotchkiss School. Led by senior guard/forward Payton Sfreddo’s 18 points and junior guard Eva Wilkerson’s 17 points, the Tigers demonstrated their potential for the season. Senior guard Madison Hart, along with Sfreddo, displayed their leadership as captains, aiming to guide the team to success in both the FAA and NEPSAC tournaments. The team’s depth and impressive shooting abilities set a promising tone for their season ahead.
Noah Park Scores Triple Touchdowns
In a thrilling high school football game, Greenwich High School sophomore Noah Park had a memorable night by scoring three touchdowns, helping his team, the Cardinals, secure a 47-21 victory over Stamford in the quarterfinals of the CIAC Class LL Tournament. Park’s first touchdown at the varsity level came in the opening play of the second half, setting the tone for Greenwich’s comeback. Quarterback Rocco Grillo and senior wide receiver Gavyn Gennarelli also played pivotal roles in the Cardinals’ balanced offensive performance, while their defense shut out Stamford in the second half to seal the win.
FROM HARTFORD
William Tong Elected VP of National Association of Attorneys General
Attorney General William Tong was unanimously elected Vice President of the National Association of Attorneys General, joining a four-person bipartisan leadership team. Oregon’s Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum will become President on January 1st, with New Hampshire’s Attorney General John Formella as President-elect and Ohio’s Attorney General Dave Yost as president. Tong expressed gratitude for the bipartisan support, emphasizing the collective efforts of attorneys general on issues such as addiction, big tech, consumer privacy, and robocall scams.
OUR NEIGHBORS
Progress Made in Studying Dog Illness
Researchers studying a mysterious respiratory illness in dogs in the Northeast have made progress. While there are no confirmed cases in Connecticut, veterinarians have treated dogs with similar symptoms. A University of New Hampshire study analyzed genetic sequencing of sick dogs from different states, indicating potential involvement of a bacterium, possibly related to the dog microbiome. Further confirmation is necessary, but this discovery could lead to more effective treatments. Dogs affected by the illness initially develop a persistent cough that can quickly lead to pneumonia. Researchers are extending their genetic sequencing efforts to other states for validation.
