POLICE & FIRE
Motor Vehicle Accident
Early in the morning, Emergency Response Teams E2 and E3 were redirected to a motor vehicle accident on Weaver Street in Greenwich’s West side as the usual first responders were unavailable. E2 initiated the extrication of a trapped person from the vehicle, with support from Truck 1 and Shift Commander C4. The occupant was successfully freed within 15 minutes and transferred to Greenwich EMS. Greenwich Police investigated the accident.
Retiring Officers
In December, the Greenwich Police Department bid farewell to retiring officers Officer Caroline Clark and Officer Joel Berry, who collectively served for 25 years. Officer Caroline Clark, who joined the department in 2009, earned a reputation for professionalism and received various awards during her 15-year tenure. Officer Joel Berry, with extensive experience in law enforcement and emergency medical services, excelled as a Patrol Officer and Traffic Enforcement Officer. Both officers received commendations for their work.
Backcountry Fire
Greenwich Professional Firefighters responded to a reported structure fire in backcountry Greenwich late last week. Upon arrival, Engine 8 confirmed a working basement fire, and responding units initiated a rural water supply with a 2500-foot-long 5-inch supply line to North Street. Engine 2 established a fill site for responding tankers. Crews launched an aggressive interior attack, containing the fire to the basement. Units assigned to the operation included E8, E1, E2, E4, E5, T1, Car 4, Car 5, Tanker 2, 6, Banksville Tanker 7, and E71. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries. The Fire Marshals Division is investigating the incident.
Scam
The Port Chester Police uncovered a scam targeting community members. Scammers use fraudulent calls to falsely claim individuals owe unpaid parking fines to the Port Chester Courts. Victims are urged to send money orders to resolve these supposed violations, and some have even gone to court, believing they have outstanding fines. Authorities emphasize that legitimate courts do not make such calls or offer questionable deals by phone. They advise caution, suggesting residents contact the court directly if they receive suspicious calls.
‘Coffee with a Cop’
Members of the Greenwich Police Department are inviting community members to a “Coffee with a Cop” event. The purpose of this initiative is to facilitate communication between police officers and the local community, allowing residents to ask questions and voice concerns. The event will take place on January 22, from 9 to 11 a.m., at CFCF Coffee on 1160 E. Putnam Ave. It provides an opportunity for neighbors to engage in discussions about policing.
FROM TOWN HALL
Resident Satisfaction Survey Results
Residents in Greenwich expressed satisfaction with their living conditions in the 2023 Resident Satisfaction Survey conducted by Probolsky Research. They particularly appreciated the town’s parks, beaches, and services like police and fire protection. However, there is recognition of the need for improvement, especially in education and managing town growth. The survey involved 425 residents and revealed concerns about education quality, overdevelopment, traffic, affordability, and preserving the small-town atmosphere.
Cold Weather
Greenwich residents are bracing for severe cold weather with temperatures expected to remain below freezing through the weekend, dropping into the teens at night, and the possibility of snow today. The Greenwich Police Department has opened the John Margenot Atrium as a 24-hour refuge for the public to escape the cold and charge electronic devices. The Greenwich Library has extended hours for residents to warm up, charge devices, and access the Internet. The main branch of the Greenwich Library will be open until 9 pm tonight, from 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday, and from 1 to 5 pm on Sunday. The Byram Shubert Library is open until 8 pm tonight and from 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday. The Cos Cob Library will be open from 9 am to 5 pm on Friday and Saturday. The Perrot Memorial Library in Old Greenwich continues its regular hours of operation. Governor Ned Lamont activated Connecticut’s severe cold weather protocol, and emergency helplines are available for various issues.
Operation Fuel
The Town Department of Human Services in Greenwich is working to increase awareness of the Operation Fuel program, which assists with electric, gas, and fuel expenses, especially for low to moderate-income households. Qualified households, with income up to 75 percent of the state’s median, can receive grants of up to $500. To access this support, individuals can call 203-622-3800 or reach out to their case manager at the Department of Human Services, providing crucial assistance during the winter months.
AROUND TOWN
Korean War Veterans
Last year, a ceremony honored Vietnam War veterans with the collaboration of Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz. Now, plans are in progress for a similar event to recognize Korean War veterans, and organizers are actively seeking them or anyone who knows individuals who served during that period. Korean War veterans and their connections are encouraged to contact Ken Borsuk, the executive assistant to the first selectman, via email or phone. It’s important to note that this initiative is still in the early planning stages, with more details forthcoming once a specific date and time are confirmed. Last year’s ceremony in Greenwich marked the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War’s end, featuring speeches and special certificates of recognition for veterans.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
‘Caring for Your Trees’ Panel Discussion
The Greenwich Tree Conservancy, Greenwich Land Trust, and Greenwich Library are collaborating to host a panel of tree experts on January 31 at 7:00 p.m. at the Greenwich Library. The panel will address challenges facing native trees, moderated by Will Kies, Executive Director of the Greenwich Land Trust, and includes experts like ISA Certified Arborist Allan Fenner, Jack Swatt, President of the CT Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation, and Dr. Greg Kramer, Superintendent of Parks and Trees for Greenwich. Registration and more information can be found by visiting https://greenwichtreeconservancy.org/jan-9-tree-panel/ for those interested in learning about tree care and their importance in the local ecosystem.
Oyster Recycling & Restoration
A recycling program in Greenwich is focusing on returning oyster shells to Long Island Sound (LIS) to revive native oyster reefs. WasteFree Greenwich, the Greenwich Shellfish Commission, and the Greenwich Conservation Commission are supporting the Collective Oyster Recycling and Restoration initiative (CORR-CT.org). This program collects shells from restaurants, diverting them from waste disposal and using them to create oyster reefs, which contribute to improving water quality, providing marine habitats, and preventing shoreline erosion in LIS. Several restaurants, including Le Fat Poodle, Siren, Le Penguin, L’Escale, Elm Street Oyster House, and East End restaurants, are participating in this effort to support oyster reefs and reduce waste.
Greenwich Garden Club
The Garden Club of America announced its 2024 national medal recipients, which recognize achievements in conservation, horticulture, civic improvement, and historic preservation. Save the Sound, with the support of the Greenwich Garden Club, received The Cynthia Pratt Laughlin Medal for its contributions to environmental protection in the Long Island Sound region. Save the Sound has a 50-year history of preserving and enhancing the environment through various methods, including advocacy, legal actions, engineering, monitoring, volunteer work, and education. The proposal, led by Leslie Lee and supported by the Greenwich Garden Club, received backing from Richard Blumenthal, Fred Krupp, Rosa DeLauro, and Katie Dykes.
Cos Cob Library expansion
The Cos Cob Library expansion plan, which includes a 1,120-square-foot community room on the western side of the building, has been approved without objections following a public hearing at the Planning & Zoning Commission. The library, 24 years old, requires updates and more community space, with the current community room being too small. A previous 2022 proposal for a smaller expansion was withdrawn based on community feedback, leading to the current plan that aims to provide more space for both children and adults. The project is expected to rely on private donations, with construction anticipated to start in the fall, costing an estimated $3 million, and efforts to maintain library services during the construction phase.
Greenwich Hospital awarded
Greenwich Hospital received the 2023 Human Experience Pinnacle of Excellence Award from healthcare solutions provider Press Ganey, recognizing its exceptional patient experience performance. This achievement places the hospital in the top 5 percent of healthcare providers, considering over 200,000 outpatient procedures. Press Ganey collaborates with a wide network of over 41,000 healthcare facilities. Patrick T. Ryan, CEO of Press Ganey, praised Greenwich Hospital for its patient-centered approach, positive employee experiences, and effective clinical outcomes, highlighting its role in setting a compassionate healthcare standard. Greenwich Hospital’s President, Diane Kelly, expressed gratitude to healthcare professionals, emphasizing their commitment to delivering high-quality care to the community.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Madeleine Boldt, a fourth-grade student at Cos Cob School, won the 2023-2024 Connecticut Fire Prevention Poster Contest in Greenwich. The contest, open to fourth and fifth-grade students during Fire Prevention Month, focuses on promoting fire safety awareness. Madeleine’s victory in Greenwich qualifies her to compete with students from Fairfield County and across Connecticut. Her winning poster highlights the “stop, drop, and roll” fire safety technique.
In Orlando, Florida, Max Lu, a senior at GHS, became co-champion with Gus Huston from The Dalton School in the US Chess Federation’s 2023 National K-12 Grade Championships. The US Chess Federation, a nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status, serves as the governing body for chess in the United States, aiming to empower individuals and build community through chess. The competition featured 2,405 participants from 41 states, including international representation, competing in 13 sections to showcase their strategic skills.
Thomas Byrne will become the Grand Marshal of the 48th annual Greenwich St. Patrick’s Parade during the Greenwich Hibernian Association’s St. Patrick’s dinner dance on March 2nd, with the parade itself scheduled for March 17th at 2 p.m. His family has Irish roots, with ancestors from County Wicklow, Ireland, and a great-grandfather who served in the NYPD during the “General Slocum” disaster in 1904. Tom’s wife Megan’s family also has Irish ties, notably her great-grandmother Mary Maloney, who moved to New York from County Mayo after “The Drowning” tragedy in 1927. Mr. Byrne’s career includes practicing law in Connecticut and later teaching AP Physics for over 25 years in Westchester. He has a lengthy history of public service, including a 13-term tenure as Moderator on the Greenwich RTM, and he has been involved in coaching youth sports and officiating in Fairfield County for over 25 years. Tom and Megan Byrne have four children and six grandchildren, reflecting their dedication to family, education, public service, and sports. For parade updates, visit [www.greenwichhibernians.org](www.greenwichhibernians.org).
Local conservation cognoscente Thomas McKinney organized one final clean-up for Greenwich in 2023. McKinney and a team of 38 volunteers conducted a clean-up event at Cos Cob Park in mid-December 2023. Their objective was to remove litter and debris from the park, a challenging task that they completed in just two hours, collecting 120 pounds of trash.
Three Greenwich High School seniors, Lucy Li, Audrey Lin, and Naomi Park, have been recognized as top 300 scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2024, receiving $2,000 awards each. Additionally, Greenwich High School will also receive $2,000 for each of its enrolled scholars. These scholars were selected from a competitive pool of 2,162 applicants across the United States, Puerto Rico, and other countries based on their exceptional research, leadership, and academic commitment. The finalists, including these students, will compete for over $1.8 million in awards in Washington, D.C., from March 6 to March 13, showcasing their dedication to STEM leadership.
Greenwich Academy’s Helena Borcherding and Genevieve Schmidt from Jensen Beach High School in Florida achieved success at the i420 U.S. National Sailing Championships from December 26 to December 30, winning a bronze medal and securing the Top Junior Boat position. They also performed well at the U.S. Sailing Junior Olympics C420 Championships on December 2 and December 3, finishing fourth and claiming the Top Junior Boat title. Borcherding and Schmidt are now preparing for the upcoming North American Sailing Championships later this month, showcasing their talent and determination in the competitive sailing arena.
SCHOOLS
Parkway School
Parkway School students enjoyed the “What’s Out There?” planetarium experience before the Holiday Recess, using the Starlab Portable Planetarium System for interactive sessions to observe the night sky. They actively assisted the presenter in identifying stars, planets, and the moon. The program’s goals included promoting learning, cultivating an interest in astronomy, and sparking curiosity in students. The Parkway PTA sponsored the initiative, allowing students from all grade levels to gather in the gymnasium and learn from guest astronomer Mr. Matthew Meyer.
Before the Holiday Recess, Parkway’s student council officers visited The Nathaniel Witherell. They brought over one-hundred-and-sixty holiday cards made by students from different grades.
researchED Greenwich
Dr. Carl Hendrick, a professor at the Academica University of Applied Sciences in Amsterdam, has been chosen as the keynote speaker for researchED Greenwich, an international education conference taking place on April 6 at Greenwich High School. Dr. Hendrick, who has authored various books and articles, is dedicated to bridging the gap between academic research and practical education. He stressed the importance of research in helping educators make informed decisions. Dr. Michael-Joseph Mercanti-Anthony, a member of the Greenwich Board of Education, is organizing the conference, which is open to all education and Greenwich community members at a registration cost of $65 per person by visiting https://researched.org.uk/event/researched-greenwich-usa/
Board of Education
The Greenwich Board of Education experienced a deadlock in choosing a new chair, leading the decision to be made by the three-person Board of Selectmen, who selected Karen Kowalski as the chair. Karen Hirsh, nominated by Janet Stone McGuigan, did not secure the position. The selection process generated debate about voter awareness in local elections regarding the BOE chair. Kowalski became the Chair of the Greenwich Board of Education by a 2-1 vote from the Board of Selectmen.
SPORTS
In 2023, Greenwich High School student Junior Anthony Bozza founded the nonprofit “Pitch In For Puerto Rico” to restore hurricane-damaged baseball and softball fields in Puerto Rico and provide scholarships to young athletes. The organization held its first fundraiser in Greenwich, featuring former MLB players Joey Cora, Eduardo Escobar, and Roberto Clemente Jr. They raised $110,000 for field renovation and scholarships, with a goal of reaching $50,000. Anthony was inspired by the devastation caused by Hurricanes Fiona and Maria on Puerto Rico’s youth baseball programs and his deep connection to Puerto Rican culture. He plans to continue supporting athletic fields, empowering young talents, and collecting equipment for Puerto Rico’s youth programs.
Greenwich Country Day School junior Brianna McDermott achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first-ever basketball player from the school to score 1,000 career points in high school basketball. She accomplished this feat on December 9, 2023, during her third season with the varsity team. McDermott’s impressive scoring ability, including her long-range 3-point shot, earned her recognition and celebration from the school community, with her name set to be featured on a banner in the gymnasium to commemorate her achievement. She aspires to be remembered not just as a high scorer but also for her work ethic, fighting spirit, and teamwork.
Greenwich High School’s boys ice hockey team secured their first win of the season with a decisive 5-0 victory over St. Joseph. Junior Heath Jervis scored two goals, while senior Michael Orrico provided two assists, and senior Nick Sinisi made several key saves for Greenwich. This win was a relief for the team, which had faced close losses in their previous games and is now looking to build a winning streak, starting with their upcoming matchup against Ridgefield.
Brunswick School’s varsity ice hockey team had a perfect week, securing four victories and extending their unbeaten streak to 17 games in 2024. They defeated The Hill School 5-3 and Hill School again with an 8-2 win in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. With a record of 15-1-2, the Bruins are heading into their school’s exam week with confidence and will face Hoosac School next. Senior forward Ryan Wachtel played a key role, recording two goals and one assist in the latest victory.
Sacred Heart Greenwich’s swim team has had a successful season, as evidenced by their recent performance. In a varsity tri-meet, they defeated Greenwich Country Day School with a score of 52-37 and tied with The Stony Brook School, resulting in a 47-47 score. Notable achievements in the meet included Sacred Heart’s quartet winning the 200-yard medley relay and individual victories by Laurel Cary and Lauren McCauley.
Brunswick School’s wrestling team had an outstanding performance, winning 70-6 against Greenwich Country Day School and raising their season record to 9-1. Eight Brunswick wrestlers pinned their opponents, while sophomore Alec Harned bounced back with a 4-1 win by decision. In a previous tri-meet, Brunswick also secured victories over Salisbury School and Trinity-Pawling, with a dramatic final match leading to a 39-34 win over Trinity-Pawling.
In a key FAA matchup, defending FAA Tournament champions Brunswick School secured a convincing 72-53 home win against St. Luke’s School. The Bruins, with a record of 2-1 in the FAA and 3-6 overall, dominated the game, particularly in the first half, where they established a 15-point lead. Sophomore point guard Jack Stevens was the standout performer with 20 points, and junior center Matty Augustine contributed 14 points while playing a crucial role on both ends of the court. Coach Steve Juricek praised their defense and ball movement, highlighting their successful use of a man-to-man defense and 2-3 zone. Despite a rough start to the season, Brunswick aims to maintain its position as a strong contender in the FAA league.
Greenwich High School’s girls basketball team secured an impressive victory by defeating Fairfield Ludlowe with a score of 44-38. This win marked their first against Ludlowe since 2019 and improved their overall record to 6-2. The Cardinals displayed a strong second half, balanced scoring, and solid defense, with sophomore guard Madi Utzinger leading the team with 13 points. The victory was a significant milestone for the team, demonstrating their growth and teamwork, with players contributing positively in various aspects of the game.
LOCAL POLITICS
RTM
At a recent Representative Town Meeting (RTM), Alexis Voulgaris was reelected as moderator for a second term without opposition. Katherine LoBalbo retained her position as Moderator Pro Tempore, ensuring leadership continuity. New district chairs and committee chairs were introduced, including Dan Quigley, Cheryl Moss, Greg Zorthian, and James Waters. The RTM approved $411,000 for a temporary HVAC replacement at Hamilton Avenue School, reducing the initial funding request. They also allocated $110,000 for a centralized kitchen tray line service at The Nathaniel Witherell. Voulgaris aims to raise awareness of the RTM’s work within the community, while both she and LoBalbo will serve until December 2025.
The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) in Greenwich, Connecticut, addressed the town’s noise ordinance and gas-powered leaf blower regulations during a lengthy meeting. The Board of Health had repealed the noise ordinance in December, prompting calls for restrictions on gas-powered leaf blowers by Quiet Yards Greenwich (QYG). The RTM reinstated a noise ordinance similar to the one from 1984 and adopted an amendment restricting gas leaf blowers on residential properties from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with an exception for properties with two or more acres. Penalties for violations will begin in 2025.
FROM HARTFORD
Connecticut’s Attorney General, William Tong, raised concerns about implementing ranked choice voting (RCV) in the state due to the absence of mention in the state constitution, potential constitutional violations, and the lack of historical use. Despite his concerns, there is a legislative advocate for RCV who plans to pursue it incrementally, although it did not progress in the legislative committee in the previous year. Speaker of the House Matt Ritter acknowledged Tong’s opinion but left the final decision to other caucus leaders while emphasizing the importance of respecting the attorney general’s viewpoint. RCV proponents argue it increases voter choice, while opponents express concerns about potential constitutional conflicts.
ACROSS CT
A recent study by the New Jersey Real Estate Network analyzed housing trends from January 2023 to December 2023 to identify states with significant changes in average house prices. Notably, Connecticut experienced a 9.56% increase in house prices over the past year, with an average price of around $381,620, significantly exceeding the national average by nearly $30,000. This substantial rise of $33,293 since early 2023 has created a competitive housing market in Connecticut.
In 2023, Connecticut experienced record-breaking heat, with locations like Hartford and Bridgeport registering some of their hottest years. The global announcement that 2023 was the hottest year on record worldwide coincided with these temperature records, attributed to factors like El Niño and long-term global warming. Extreme temperatures led to immediate consequences, including air quality issues and damage from heavy rainfall, prompting the implementation of hot weather protocols and adjustments to school schedules. Experts predicted that this year could be even hotter, with the Northeastern U.S. experiencing warmer conditions and more precipitation.
The Quaker Oats Company has expanded its nationwide recall of cereals, bars, and snacks due to potential Salmonella contamination, affecting products sold in all 50 states of the United States and Puerto Rico. Consumers are advised to check the provided list of recalled products and best-by dates and to dispose of any affected items for safety reasons. Assistance is available through the Quaker Consumer Relations team via their website. There have, as of Wednesday, January 17th, been no confirmed reports of illness linked to the recalled products. Salmonella infections can result in symptoms like fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, with rare severe complications.
