POLICE & FIRE
Officer Escobar has been named Officer of the Month for December of 2023. In December 2023, Officer Escobar demonstrated bravery and dedication in three incidents. Firstly, he saved a life by responding promptly to a medical emergency involving an overdose and administering Narcan. Secondly, he apprehended a suspect involved in mail theft, leading to their arrest and the recovery of incriminating evidence. Lastly, he intervened in a dangerous situation, intercepting a fleeing vehicle involved in criminal activity and assisting in the recovery of stolen mail and a firearm, showcasing his commitment to public safety and upholding law enforcement standards.
Greenwich Police Chief James Heavey discussed potential measures to address speeding in school zones, including deploying traffic cameras in the fall, during a recent budget meeting. He emphasized the need for thorough traffic studies before implementation but cautioned that cameras are just one part of a broader traffic safety strategy. While state legislation allows for automated cameras, none have been deployed statewide yet, giving Greenwich time to navigate the process of implementation and refine local ordinances.
FROM TOWN HALL
Jersey barriers will line Greenwich Avenue restaurants soon, but with increased costs. The town’s outdoor dining program will see a shorter season and higher expenses this year, with a design contest now open to enhance barrier aesthetics. Parking fees have also risen, with projections indicating higher expenses for restaurants, and further decisions on the outdoor dining program will be discussed at the upcoming Board of Selectmen meeting on Feb. 22.
AROUND TOWN
Aquarion commenced a major water main replacement initiative along Greenwich Avenue this past Monday, aiming to enhance the area’s infrastructure, with the project slated to span several months. The decision to initiate the project promptly was made by the First Selectman to preempt disruptions once outdoor dining resumes in April.
Efforts are underway to preserve the “Redman-Fitzgerald House” in Greenwich, with Andrew Melillo seeking a Local Historic Property designation from the Board of Selectmen. Melillo emphasized the house’s historical significance, tied to Greenwich’s development as a commuter town in the late 1800s, and highlighted the collaboration with Historic Properties of Greenwich. If approved, the HDC would oversee any alterations to the house, with the proposal receiving support for a second reading and vote on February 22nd.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Neighbor to Neighbor, a nonprofit offering food assistance, opened a new facility in 2022 at 248 E. Putnam Ave., serving the community since then. Led by Brent Hill, the organization aims to enhance operations by extending operating hours and potentially adding an extra afternoon shift to alleviate congestion. Hill has communicated proposed changes to the neighboring community association, with the application awaiting review by the Planning & Zoning Commission to further Neighbor to Neighbor’s mission of providing vital support to those in need.
The Greenwich Girl Scouts held their annual “Frosty Fun Night” event at the YWCA Greenwich, gathering over 120 local scouts from kindergarten to fifth grade on February 3. Led by Diana Mahoney, CEO of Girl Scouts of Connecticut, the evening featured activities, pizza, animal interactions, and games like Minute to Win It and life-sized Hungry Hungry Hippos. Alongside the festivities, the scouts supported Filling in the Blanks, assembling 1,000 snack bags..
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Thomas McKinney and 35 companions cleaned up litter at Bruce Park. They collected 190 pounds of refuse in two hours, demonstrating McKinney’s commitment to environmental stewardship and his ability to mobilize others.
Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County (CLC) announced Noah Lapine as the Chair of its Board of Directors. Lapine, currently Executive Chairman, Americas at adm Group, previously served as CEO of Lapine Associates and founded Effectus Partners, later acquired by adm Group. He has a background in Public Administration from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Rochester.
CLC added four new members to its Board of Directors: Dr. Tremane Bartley, Amy Beldotti, Scott Conley, and Carmen Hughes. Dr. Bartley brings expertise in orthodontics and community engagement, Beldotti has extensive experience in education, Conley specializes in leadership development, and Hughes has corporate experience and a commitment to diversity.
Saint Martin de Porres Academy’s 18th Annual Spring Fling Gala honors Mary L. Pepe for her contributions to education and community service, recognized by Allison Rivera, the Academy’s President. Pepe’s career demonstrates her commitment to education and leadership, notably in roles with the Derby Education Association. The Gala aims to celebrate Pepe’s legacy and support the Academy’s mission of providing tuition-free education to underprivileged youth, with information available on their website or through contacting Anthony Pelino, Vice President of Advancement.
SCHOOLS
The Cos Cob School PTA donated water bottle filling stations to the school, installed by GPS’ Facilities Department.
Greenwich High School English instructors Ms. Laura Burdick and Ms. Mary Beth Smith were nominated for the University of Chicago Outstanding Educators award by former students Alec Iaconis and Gillian Gordon. Both teachers attended a two-day “Educator Fly-In” event at UChicago, participating in student-led campus tours and a symposium on freedom of expression and academic discourse. UChicago’s initiative underscores their dedication to educational excellence, allowing incoming freshmen to nominate high school educators and offering additional opportunities like virtual classes for the nominated teachers.
Central Middle School’s “mathletes” led by Ms. Elana Brookman emerged victorious at the 2024 MATHCOUNTS Southwest Connecticut Chapter Competition, securing first place among over 30 participating schools and advancing to the state competition in Hartford. The MATHCOUNTS Competition Series, overseen by the MATHCOUNTS Foundation, serves as a platform for students nationwide to compete in rigorous math contests, aiming to cultivate mathematical talent and excellence. Sohan, a member of the winning team, showcased exceptional skill by claiming first place in the Countdown Round and second place in the individual round.
Greenwich High School seeks funding to address poor cell service, with both the district and First Selectman proposing $631,000 for improvements due to safety concerns during emergencies. This is the third attempt to secure funding for the $1.1 million project over five years, aiming to install internal antennas and underground fiber for enhanced connectivity. Despite challenges in financial partnerships and assertions that emergency protocols are not Wi-Fi-dependent, stakeholders stress the urgency of resolving the safety risks associated with inadequate cell signal.
Grace Isford, a distinguished alumna, has been chosen as the commencement speaker for the class of 2024 at Sacred Heart Greenwich. Isford, known for her achievements in early-stage venture capitalism and recognition on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list, brings experience from her role as the youngest partner at Lux Capital. The ceremony, scheduled for June 7th, will include Isford sharing insights on technology investment and empowering female leaders, continuing a tradition of esteemed speakers at the school.
LOCAL POLITICS
Roger Rosendahl filed complaints alleging election law breaches in Greenwich last year, targeting Representative Town Meeting members and operators of The Voting Moms newsletter. He accused them of engaging in political advocacy without registering as a PAC, prompting refutations from the accused. The State Election Enforcement Commission is investigating these claims.
ACROSS CT
A study by JeffBet used Google searches to determine Connecticut’s favorite romantic comedies, with “10 Things I Hate About You” topping the list at 4,314 monthly searches. The methodology included both movie title searches and related queries like ‘where to watch [movie title].’ “Crazy Stupid Love” and “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” followed closely behind in popularity, each garnering over 2,900 monthly searches.
Governor Ned Lamont hailed Connecticut as the “foodie capital of New England,” praising chefs like Renee Touponce and David Standridge, along with the team behind Coracora in West Hartford, for their culinary accomplishments. Touponce, a past finalist for Best Chef: Northeast, made history as the first Connecticut chef nominated for the Outstanding Chef award nationally. The James Beard Awards will announce finalists on April 3, with Lamont acknowledging other Connecticut establishments gaining national acclaim, including Tavern on State in New Haven and Ore Hill in Kent.
Federal health authorities have ordered the recall of dairy products from Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc. due to contamination by Listeria monocytogenes, following reports of 26 illnesses, including 2 fatalities. The outbreak, originating from the company’s facility, has prompted the recall of various brand names sold across the nation. Notable among the recalled items are Simply Fresh LLC’s Rojos Black Bean 7-Layer Dip, exclusive to Costco stores in several states, and a range of products from Trader Joe’s Company, including Chicken Enchiladas Verde, Cilantro Salad Dressing, Elote Chopped Salad Kit, and Southwest Salad. 365 by Whole Foods Market is recalling whole and part-skim ricotta cheeses nationwide. The USDA also issued a recall for cotija cheese from Rizo Lopez Foods in Amazon Kitchen’s “Chicken Chili Verde Burrito with rice, black beans & Monterey Jack,” with specific production and expiration dates.
The USDA warns consumers about rocks found in Trader Joe’s prepackaged chicken meal, containing lentil and caramelized onion pilaf, saffron basmati rice, dark chicken meat, dates, and golden raisins, causing dental damage to one person and similar incidents reported by others. The affected product, bearing the establishment number “P-45322,” was produced between Nov. 1, 2023, and Jan. 19, distributed nationwide, prompting advice to refrain from consumption and to contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline for food safety concerns.
Dole Fresh Vegetables recalled salad kits due to potential Listeria contamination linked to Rizo-López Foods cheeses, citing cross-contamination concerns. No illnesses have been reported. The recall spans 25 states and includes Dole, Marketside, and President’s Choice brands; consumers can find details on the FDA website. Dole advised retailers to remove affected products, and consumers can contact the Dole Consumer Response Center for assistance.
