News Briefs: October 31

POLICE & FIRE

Photo credit: Greenwich Police Department

Greenwich Agencies Strengthen Emergency Readiness

The Greenwich Police Department conducted a joint training at Tod’s Point with the Fire Department and Greenwich Emergency Medical Services. The exercise simulated a search for missing juveniles in wooded terrain using drones with infrared cameras to locate them, followed by coordinated medical response and recovery. The training aimed to improve coordination and readiness among local emergency agencies.

Greenwich Officers Honored For Bravery

Greenwich police officers Thomas Koppelmann and Anthony DeLuca were recognized for uncovering a counterfeit money scheme linked to multiple jurisdictions. Their investigation began on August 19 after a local business reported an attempt to use a fake $100 bill, leading to a vehicle pursuit and the arrests of two suspects. Police recovered more than $10,000 in counterfeit currency and a loaded firearm during the operation.

Photo credit: Greenwich Police Department

Detective Ciarleglio Completes Probation Successfully

Detective Ciarleglio has completed her six-month probationary period and now serves in the Forensics Section. She is responsible for documenting crime scenes, collecting evidence, and assisting with forensic analysis. Her work supports accurate, evidence-based investigations for the Greenwich Police Department.

Free Swim Program Honors Responders

The Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich will offer free lap swimming to full-time Greenwich Emergency Medical Services first responders starting November 3, 2025. The program runs Monday through Friday from 6–9am and 11am–1pm at the Club’s pool. It aims to support first responders’ physical and mental health.

Silver Shield Walk Supports Families

Registration is open for the Silver Shield Foundation’s 6th Annual Walk at Greenwich Point on November 8, beginning at 11am The event raises funds to provide educational support for the families of police officers, firefighters, and EMS members killed in the line of duty across the tri-state area. Participants can register individually or as teams, with a $100 fundraising minimum that includes a t-shirt; pets are not permitted.

FROM TOWN HALL

Greenwich Town Hall Turns 100

Greenwich held a ceremony on October 29 to mark the 100th anniversary of Town Hall. The building, originally constructed as Greenwich High School, was later converted for municipal use. The event recognized its historical role in the town’s civic life.

Public Meeting Advances Trail Project

A public meeting about the proposed multi-use trail between Greenwich and Stamford will be held on November 6 from 6 to 8pm at the Cohen Eastern Greenwich Civic Center. The Greenwich Department of Public Works will present four possible routes and share findings from a feasibility study. Digital maps and an online feedback form will be available after the meeting.

AROUND TOWN

Photo credit: Albanian Youth Center

Fred Camillo Inspires Albanian Youth

Fred Camillo, First Selectman of Greenwich, visited the Albanian Youth Center over the weekend to speak with students about leadership and civic involvement. He discussed community engagement and shared guidance on public service. The visit aimed to encourage students to take active roles in their communities.

Greenwich Avenue Paving Progress Continues

The Department of Public Works has completed milling on Greenwich Avenue and installed temporary lane markings to maintain traffic flow. Paving will resume as weather allows. Crews are working outside regular hours to reduce disruptions to businesses and visitors.

Historic Greenwich Building Undergoing Restoration

The building at 267 Greenwich Avenue, formerly home to Fred D. Knapp Funeral Home, is being converted for retail and residential use following Planning & Zoning approval. The 1904 structure will have retail spaces on the ground floor and basement, and five total apartments on the upper floors. Exterior changes will restore the building’s original façade, removing later Gothic additions.

Greenwich Alliance Turkey Trot Returns

The Greenwich Alliance for Education will hold its annual Turkey Trot on Saturday, November 29. The event includes a 5K, a one-mile run or walk, and a mini trot for ages three to five, starting at 9:00, 9:30, and 10:00am, respectively. Registration fees range from $10 to $50, with T-shirts guaranteed for participants registered by November 9.

LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS

Interfaith Blood Drive Strengthens Community

The American Red Cross will hold an interfaith blood drive on November 1 from 8am to 1:15pm at the First Presbyterian Church, 1 West Putnam Avenue. Donations will support local hospitals, including Greenwich Hospital, and donors can register online using code FPCG or by calling 1-800-733-2767. Participants will receive a free A1C diabetes screening, a $10 e-gift card, and entry into a national $5,000 gift card raffle.

Photo credit: Diane’s Books

Diane’s Books Celebrates 35 Years

Diane’s Books in Greenwich will celebrate its 35th anniversary on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Founded in 1990, the store carries roughly 35,000 titles and offers special orders for books not in stock. The shop includes sections for children’s books, new releases, and nonfiction covering topics from travel to history.

Epicurean Pantry Hosts Charitable Tasting

Epicurean Pantry and hospitality consultant Michele Leao hosted The Black Garlic Experience on October 23, 2025, at Leicht Kitchen Showroom in Greenwich to raise funds for Neighbor to Neighbor. The sold-out event featured tastings by Chef Karen Brand using Epicurean Pantry’s black garlic products. Proceeds supported Neighbor to Neighbor’s mission to address food insecurity in Greenwich, where the pantry distributed more than 300,000 pounds of produce to local households last year.

Photo credit: First Selectman Camillo’s Community Connections

Old Greenwich Shines for Alzheimer’s

Old Greenwich businesses are participating in Paint Old Greenwich Purple Week, lighting storefronts to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease. First Selectman Fred Camillo issued a proclamation designating October 18–26 for the observance, led locally by Wendy Day of Dwell Senior Advisors. The initiative supports awareness, research, and care for those affected by Alzheimer’s, ahead of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on October 26 at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport.

Filling In The Blanks Expands

Filling in the Blanks formed an Associate Board of seven young professionals from across Connecticut to strengthen fundraising and community outreach for its weekend meal program for children. Founded in 2013, the nonprofit provides meals to students eligible for free or reduced lunch and now serves over 200 schools across Fairfield, Westchester, and Putnam counties. The group has distributed more than 4.6 million meals and launched a mobile pantry in 2023 to expand access to fresh food.

Astronaut Scott Kelly Visits Greenwich

Astronaut and retired U.S. Navy Captain Scott Kelly will speak at Greenwich Library’s Berkley Theater on Wednesday, November 19, at 7pm as part of the Lynne and Richard Pasculano Signature Series. Kelly, a veteran of four NASA missions including a record-setting 340-day stay on the International Space Station, will discuss his career and experiences in space. Registration opens October 29 at greenwichlibrary.org, and his books will be available for purchase and signing.

RH Expands Presence In Greenwich

RH has leased the former Ralph Lauren building at 265 Greenwich Avenue, according to ORIGIN Realty Advisors. The building, owned by Thurles LLC, previously housed Ralph Lauren, SaksWorks, and Ruby & Bella’s. This will be RH’s third location in downtown Greenwich, joining its main store in the former Post Office and RH Outdoor across the street.

PEOPLE IN TOWN

Greenwich Student Empowers Abuse Survivors

At age twelve, Greenwich Academy student Annabelle Barth began tutoring a child at a Manhattan shelter for survivors of domestic violence. In 2024, she founded Giving Love to Our Women (GLOW), a nonprofit that provides self-care gift baskets to survivors to help restore confidence. GLOW now partners with organizations in New York and Connecticut and involves student and professional volunteers expanding its outreach.

Patricia Chadwick Inspires at Greenwich

Greenwich Library will host Patricia Walsh Chadwick on Thursday, November 6, at 6:00pm in the Berkley Theater for a discussion moderated by Jennifer Openshaw of Girls With Impact. Chadwick will speak about her book Breaking Glass: Tales from the Witch of Wall Street, which details her rise in the finance industry after being expelled from a cult as a teenager. The event is free, includes a book signing, and requires advance registration through the Library’s website.

Lise Jameson

Lise Jameson Concludes Distinguished Tenure

After 19 years as Executive Director, Lise LaPointe Jameson will leave At Home in Greenwich on October 24, 2025. She joined the nonprofit in 2006 and expanded its programs, membership, and volunteer network to help older residents remain independent in their homes. A farewell gathering will be held on October 28 at the Second Congregational Church.

Greenwich Graduate Earns Innovation Scholarship

The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven awarded eight students the 2025 Milton Fisher Scholarship for Innovation and Creativity. Among the recipients was Greenwich High School graduate Ashley Malkin, now a freshman at Stanford University, recognized for her research on overcoming the blood-brain barrier in neurological treatment. The scholarship provides $4,000 to $20,000 annually, renewable for up to four years.

SCHOOLS

New Lebanon Celebrates Seasonal Harvest

In October, New Lebanon School launched its “Harvest of the Season” Farm to School program, featuring hands-on lessons about carrots and local food production. The initiative is part of Greenwich Public Schools’ participation in the USDA’s Local Food for Schools program, which has provided $44,000 for locally sourced food. Additional state funding from H.B. 7013 supports expanding these efforts to strengthen local food systems and student nutrition.

GHS Orchestra Hosts Annual Spooktacular

The annual GHS Orchestra Spooktacular Concert took place on Wednesday, October 29, at 7:30pm in the Greenwich High School Performing Arts Center. The event featured performances by all GHS orchestras and eighth-grade students from Central, Eastern, and Western Middle Schools. Admission was free and attendees were encouraged to wear costumes.

Students Lead Board Candidate Debate

Greenwich High School’s “We the People” program, with support from the Greenwich League of Women Voters, organized a Board of Education candidate debate in the school’s Performing Arts Center. Students created and moderated questions addressing topics such as budgeting, cell phone policies, start times, cafeteria pricing, and attendance for mixed-status students. The event was planned and executed entirely by the program’s participants.

SPORTS

Photo credit: 06878 Photography by Antonio Monteiro

Brunswick Earns Thrilling Homecoming Victory

Brunswick School defeated Phillips Exeter Academy 44–43 in a dramatic Homecoming game at Cosby Field. The Bruins secured victory when sophomore receiver Alex McCormack caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Ben Rolapp, followed by a 35-yard extra point by Matias DeBono with three seconds left. The win capped a back-and-forth contest featuring standout performances from Noah Park and Sawyer Bligh and improved Brunswick’s record to 5–2.

Photo credit: David Fierro

New Canaan Holds Off Greenwich

In a clash of Connecticut’s top-ranked high school football teams, No. 1 New Canaan edged No. 2 Greenwich 14-7 on Oct. 24 at Dunning Stadium. The Rams scored both touchdowns in the second quarter and held off a late Greenwich rally led by a 49-yard run from Hector Lopez. Both defenses dominated the night, with New Canaan improving to 6-0 and Greenwich falling to 5-1.

Greenwich Volleyball Dominates Tournament Quarterfinal

Top-seeded Greenwich High defeated Ridgefield 3-0 in the FCIAC Volleyball Tournament quarterfinals on Oct. 24, advancing to the semifinals with a 19-1 record. Junior Kayah Armstrong led with 12 kills, seven blocks, and six digs, while teammates Heidi Zieme and Victoria Sullivan added strong offensive and defensive performances. Greenwich will face fifth-seeded Trumbull in the semifinals at Stamford High School on Oct. 27.

Photo credit: David Fierro

Sacred Heart Field Hockey Dominates

Sacred Heart Greenwich’s varsity field hockey team earned two decisive road victories, defeating Greens Farms Academy 9–1 on Oct. 20 and Westminster 6–0 on Oct. 22. Whitney Rousseau led the offense with multiple goals, while teammates including Joanna Eken, Elle Corcoran, and Elizabeth Devine contributed to the scoring surge. The wins marked a strong rebound for the Tigers after two narrow losses, with coaches praising the team’s focus and connection on the field.

Photo credit: 06878 Photography by Antonio Monteiro

Greenwich Soccer Advances To Final

Top-seeded Greenwich High School advanced to the FCIAC Tournament final after defeating Ridgefield 3-0 in the semifinals at Fairfield Warde High School on Oct. 23. The undefeated Cardinals (16-0) scored all three goals in the second half, with tallies from Joseph Carroll, Manuel Bonilla, and Francisco Luzuriaga. Greenwich will face rival Staples in the championship game Monday as it pursues its 10th FCIAC title.

06878 Photography by Antonio Monteiro

Cardinals Advance With Dominant Win

Top-seeded Greenwich defeated Fairfield Ludlowe 3–0 in the FCIAC quarterfinals, led by goals from Julia Gustafsson and Harriet Franks. The Cardinals’ quick passing and coordinated play helped them overcome Ludlowe’s aggressive start, maintaining control throughout the match. The win marked Greenwich’s seventh shutout of the season as they advanced to the tournament semifinals.

LOCAL POLITICS

Early Voting Runs Smoothly Townwide

Early voting for the Nov. 4 municipal election is running smoothly at Greenwich Town Hall, with no reported delays or issues. Voting is open daily through Nov. 2 from 10am to 6pm, and from 8am to 8pm on Oct. 28 and Oct. 30. Voters should use the visitor parking lot and confirm registration status online before arriving.

Zoo Fundraiser Race Gains Momentum

The zoo’s 2026 mayoral fundraiser features five animal candidates: Fiona the Maned Wolf “The Mane You Can Trust”, Chunk the Tiger Salamander “A Mayor Who Sticks With You”, Logan the Amazon River Turtle “Shelling Out Real Solutions”, Rose the Dexter Cow “Moooving the Zoo in the Right Direction”, and King the Chinese Goral “The People’s G.O.A.T”. Donations count as votes, with $843 raised toward a $2,500 goal. As of publishing, Fiona is currently leading by only eleven cents. Supporters can contribute or learn more at https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/2026ZooMayor

FROM HARTFORD

Connecticut Announces November SNAP Update

The federal government will not issue new SNAP benefits in November, but funds distributed before October 31 remain valid. Cash programs like TFA and SAGA will continue as scheduled. Residents can check balances at https://www.mydss.ct.gov or call 1-888-328-2666, and find food resources at https://www.ctfoodshare.org or https://www.211ct.org

ACROSS CT

Connecticut Nip Fee Funds Cleanup

Between April and September 2025, Connecticut’s five-cent “nickel-per-nip” fee generated over $2.49 million statewide, including $6,132 from Greenwich. The program, launched in 2021, has now provided about $19 million to municipalities for local environmental projects. Towns use the funds primarily for recycling and litter-reduction initiatives.

Yale Expands Care For Veterans

Yale School of Medicine and the VA Connecticut Healthcare System are offering home-based rheumatology care for homebound veterans. The program allows veterans to receive medical attention without traveling to a clinic. For details, contact Dr. Evelyn Hsieh at evelyn.hsieh@yale.edu or Dr. David Podell at David.Podell@wtbyhosp.org

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