POLICE & FIRE
This year, Detective Justin Rivera received the Dr. John Clarke GPD Officer of the Year Award from the Greenwich Lions Club for arresting suspects in an armed robbery and a burglary during consecutive shifts in October 2023. The award, named after Dr. John A. Clarke, a founding president of the club and a police physician, was established in 1947 to recognize police officers for exceptional service.
Last week, Greenwich Fire Department units extinguished a small fire on Orchard Street. The fire marshal is investigating the cause.
The town, in partnership with the Greenwich Police Department, is contemplating the installation of speed cameras specifically in school zones, following a proposal by Chief James Heavey that aligns with Public Act 23-116. The implementation awaits the approval of the Board of Selectmen, with a decision postponed until their meeting on May 9, when an RFP for the necessary equipment also concludes. The proposed system, aimed at enhancing public safety without generating revenue, will impose fines starting at $50 for speeding violations captured by these cameras, with an appeals process available for violators.
FROM TOWN HALL
New regulations in Greenwich will restrict gasoline-powered leaf blower usage from May 26 to September 30, but some town leaders seek a three-year extension. Concerns about the effectiveness of electric blowers were raised by officials from the Departments of Public Works and Parks and Recreation, leading to criticism from environmental groups and landscapers. The Board of Selectmen postponed action on the extension request to gather feedback, acknowledging the complexity of the issue.
The new 2024-25 OnePass, which allows access to the town’s parks and beaches, are now required. To obtain the pass, residents must verify their residency, a process that can take up to five days online. Once residency is confirmed, residents can buy a single vehicle pass for $200, with optional add-ons for pickleball or golf. Seniors with a valid 2023 park pass will automatically be renewed. Single-use tickets are also available for park visits, ice rink sessions, and skatepark use. More information can be found on the town’s website. Questions can be directed to the town’s hotline or email.
AROUND TOWN
Hotel Workers United Local 217 demonstrated outside the town hall and the Omni New Haven Hotel on May 1, calling for improved working conditions and a new contract. They shared photos on Facebook, showing support from UNITE HERE Local 33, 34, and 35.
The Wesskum Wood Road Bridge in Greenwich is expected to be completed by July 1, 2024, despite environmental setbacks. The upgrade includes the installation of new bridge arches, stone masonry, and additional features like decorative crosswalks, a sidewalk, and improved access for bicyclists and pedestrians. For safety, the public is advised to avoid the construction site.
On Saturday afternoon, the neo-Nazi group NSC 131, demonstrated in Greenwich, chanting and displaying banners with provocative slogans. Their protest was linked to an alleged recent attack, and they threatened further actions if their demands for hate crime charges were not met. The demonstration was monitored by police and ended without incident.
The North Mianus Pow Wow returns this weekend, offering games, carnival rides, food, music, and a raffle for family enjoyment. It’s the 76th edition, organized to raise funds for the North Mianus Elementary School Parent Teacher Association. The fair runs from Friday evening until Saturday night, featuring a variety of activities and prizes including tickets to Legoland, an iPad, a $1,000 Amazon gift card, and sports tickets.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Neighbor to Neighbor held their Annual Spring Luncheon on April 3rd. The organization thanked their sponsors, partners, and supporters for their commitment to its mission.
On the first Saturday of April, the annual Scouting for Hunger event was held. The Greenwich Scouts, Greenwich Police Department, and Cos Cob Volunteer Fire Company #1 hosted the drive, which supported the local charity Neighbor to Neighbor.
Stamp Out Hunger on May 11 urges residents to leave non-perishable food items by their mailboxes for collection by postal workers. Donations sought include canned proteins, pasta, fruit, peanut butter, and household items, with a reminder to check expiration dates. Those unable to participate on May 11 can contribute through the Virtual Food Drive.
Eversource Energy will end its program that has protected customers with financial hardships or severe illnesses from disconnections on May 2, 2024. The program began in March 2020, and customers not on a payment plan by the end date face potential service termination. The company has alerted affected customers and encourages those eligible to seek further assistance from the local Town Hall’s Department of Human Services to prevent service discontinuation.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Governor Ned Lamont admitted involvement in hiring a landscaper who removed over 180 trees from protected wetlands near his Greenwich home without permits, potentially resulting in penalties for him and neighboring property owners. Lamont attributed the cutting to addressing storm-damaged trees, denying any motive to enhance his property’s view, while also pledging compliance with permit regulations moving forward. Legal representatives requested a hearing extension to reconcile restoration plans, stressing collaboration, while Greenwich’s Director of Environmental Affairs emphasized the importance of a comprehensive restoration plan and public input amidst reflections on environmental stewardship and accountability.
SCHOOLS
Greenwich High School’s second annual International Night featured increased attendance and food variety, with cultural dishes provided by students and their families. The event included performances like Chinese classical dances and Spanish Flamenco, and was organized by the school’s various language honor societies. Highlighting the school’s diversity, organizers expressed hopes of making this celebration a lasting tradition, countering stereotypes about the town’s demographic.
North Mianus School’s second graders marked Arbor Day alongside First Selectman Fred Camillo and representatives from the Greenwich Tree Conservancy. They participated in a tree planting activity and listened as Camillo read a proclamation for the occasion.
Ana Maria Fals, third-grade teacher at New Lebanon School; Johanna Kolar, eighth-grade math teacher at Western Middle School; Lian Lam, special education teacher at New Lebanon School; Audrey Maurer, music teacher at New Lebanon School
Ilene Rietsch, kindergarten teacher at North Street School; Alyssa Stack, social studies teacher at Greenwich High School; and Stacy Loveless, Chair of DTAC have been selected as the district’s 2024 Distinguished Teachers, including three from New Lebanon School. Nominations are received annually in March from students, parents, and staff, with the Distinguished Teachers Committee evaluating and selecting recipients through anonymous voting in April. The award ceremony is scheduled for May 9 at Central Middle School.
SPORTS
Zach Lowe, a 1995 graduate of Greenwich High School and ESPN senior writer, will return as the Commencement Speaker for the 2024 graduation at Cardinal Stadium. Principal Ralph Mayo highlighted the significance of Lowe’s return, noting his family’s deep educational and community service roots in Greenwich.
Greenwich High School’s girls rugby team dominated Trumbull Eagles with a 42-0 victory, showcasing a strong performance led by players like Lauren Huang, who scored multiple tries, and notable contributions from forwards like Vera Zibilich and Emma Peck. Senior captain Ruby Lamkin praised the team’s forward play, while Lara Olmsted highlighted the cohesion of the backline and their aggressive defensive efforts.
Greenwich High School’s boys Varsity A rugby team, with a rich history of appearances at the Boys Rugby Varsity National Championships and 11 state championships, is currently enjoying another successful season, boasting a record of 4-2 and a 10th national ranking, including recent victories against Aspetuck Valley Rugby Club and Xavier High School. With captains Brian Nova-Acosta, Gaston Gomez, and Ignacio Piccione leading the charge, the team aims to maintain its winning streak as it heads towards upcoming matches against Trumbull and Fairfield Prep, with eyes set on both state and national championships.
Greenwich High School’s baseball team secured a significant victory against Trumbull, the state’s top-ranked team, with a 4-3 win, led by senior pitcher Tommy Passamano’s impressive performance, clinching the win with a seventh-inning rally. Coach Adrian Arango praised the team’s resilience and collective effort, emphasizing the significance of defeating a formidable opponent like Trumbull and highlighting Passamano’s pivotal role in the victory.
Greenwich High School’s girls water polo team extended their undefeated streak with wins over Phillips Andover Academy and Williston Northampton, achieving an impressive 16-0 record for the season. Senior captains Ashley and Olivia Hopper contributed significantly in both games, leading their team to victory with a strong performance, while the Cardinals demonstrated depth with contributions from various players throughout the matches.
Greenwich High School’s boys lacrosse team faced a tough 13-3 defeat against Staples, despite staying close in the first half, as Staples surged ahead in the second half, propelled by a strong offensive performance. Greenwich coach Bobby Lutz acknowledged the challenge of playing against a skilled opponent and highlighted the team’s upcoming game against Ridgefield as an opportunity to bounce back.
Greenwich faced a tough challenge against Staples, with Wreckers’ pitcher Kai Nee dominating with six shutout innings, securing a 5-0 victory despite Greenwich’s strong defensive effort. Despite the loss, Greenwich had a successful week, winning two out of three games and showing improvement in their overall performance.
Brunswick School’s track and field team, under the guidance of coach Robert Taylor, showcases remarkable talent and depth, boasting a strong 6-1 record this season, with victories against notable schools including Taft, Kingswood Oxford, and Trinity-Pawling. Despite a single loss against Kingswood-Oxford in their recent home meet, the team continues to demonstrate its prowess, exemplified by their impressive performances captured in photos from a recent meet against Masters School, shared by Brunswick School.
Brunswick School’s tennis team has excelled this season, securing victories in all three matches against FAA opponents and currently shares the first-place position with Greens Farms Academy in the FAA with a 3-0 record. Their recent wins include matches against King School, Hopkins School, and St. Luke’s School.
The Greenwich High School boys tennis team has maintained their perfect record this spring, securing eight victories in eight matches, including a recent 7-0 win against Danbury. Led by standout performances in both singles and doubles, the team’s success continues, building on last season’s undefeated campaign and setting high expectations for the current year.
Sacred Heart Greenwich dominated the lacrosse showdown against Greenwich Academy, securing a 13-4 victory after trailing early on, with standout performances from players like Charley Bacigalupo and Payton Sfreddo, showcasing both offensive prowess and strong defensive play. Despite some bright spots and efforts from Greenwich Academy, Sacred Heart’s cohesive performance, particularly on defense, secured their ninth consecutive win and showcased their strength as a team.
Greenwich High’s baseball team secured two more victories against Bridgeport Central and New Canaan, extending their winning streak to four games and bringing their season record to 6-5, with all wins coming against FCIAC opponents. Senior Troy Goodwin pitched five innings, striking out eight batters, and contributed offensively, while John McHugh, Cody Baker, and Luke Tocci also played pivotal roles in the wins, with McHugh leading the offense with three hits and three runs scored in the victory over Bridgeport Central.
Brunswick School’s lacrosse team, ranked No. 1 in the nation, faced a tough challenge against Hill Academy but staged an impressive comeback after trailing by three goals in the first quarter, ultimately securing a 19-10 victory and maintaining their undefeated record. Led by standout performances from senior captain Hudson Hausmann and sophomore Rick Giordano, Brunswick rallied in the second half, showcasing their resilience and team unity in overcoming adversity.
