POLICE & FIRE
Greenwich Police Earn State Accreditation
The Greenwich Police Department has earned Tier II and III accreditation from Connecticut’s Police Officer Standards and Training Council. The designation follows a detailed review confirming that the department meets established state standards for policy and practice. The agency states it will continue operating in line with these requirements.
FROM TOWN HALL
Community Support Brightens Holiday Season
The Greenwich Department of Human Services Fund has opened its 2025 Holiday Aid program to support local families with Thanksgiving and winter holiday needs. Residents can contribute through monetary donations, $25 grocery or retail gift cards, or by participating in the Adopt a Family initiative. Donations are due by December 19, and Adopt a Family gifts must be delivered by December 16.
Progress Toward Safer Greenwich Streets
On November 12, the Department of Public Works held a series of walking charrettes to review pedestrian and traffic safety conditions across town. Engineering staff and local stakeholders examined several districts and documented issues relevant to upcoming infrastructure projects. The work supports Safe Streets Greenwich, an initiative focused on using data and coordination to reduce traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
Greenwich Launches Community Pumpkin Composting
Greenwich’s Department of Public Works, in partnership with Waste Free Greenwich, is running its annual drop-off program for unpainted, undecorated pumpkins and gourds. Residents can bring them to Holly Hill through January 1, or to Binney Park and Bible Street Park through November 21. All non-organic materials such as paint, wax, and decorations must be removed before drop-off.
Greenwich Opens Resident Survey Again
Greenwich is conducting its biennial resident satisfaction survey to assess community priorities. Probolsky Research began the study in October 2025 with a statistically valid sample of more than 400 residents, and the survey is now open to all residents online in English and Spanish at https://survey.probolskyresearch.com/s3/22469cb3bc08 responses are anonymous, and the Town expects a final report by December 30, which will be released to the public.
Greenwich Residents Propel Capital Improvements
The town’s capital projects hearing ran for an hour and centered on longstanding concerns about the lack of a clear, transparent planning and budgeting process. Residents outlined issues ranging from inadequate school facilities and failing infrastructure to traffic problems and the absence of standardized financial planning. Multiple projects—including school renovations, a new bus parking solution, a high-school pool replacement, and a second GHS egress—were identified as urgent needs requiring coordinated action and long-term planning.
Greenwich Selectmen Begin New Term
The Greenwich Board of Selectmen will be sworn in on Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. at the Cohen Eastern Greenwich Civic Center. Fred Camillo and Lauren Rabin each won fourth terms, and Rachel Khanna secured the third seat. The ceremony will take place in the newly completed $25 million civic center, a project decades in the making that was ultimately advanced through public and private funding.
AROUND TOWN
Greenwich Celebrates Annual Tree Lighting
Greenwich will hold its annual tree lighting at Town Hall on Friday, Dec. 5, beginning at 4:15 p.m. The program includes visits from Santa, holiday treats, and performances by Greenwich a cappella and Allegra Dance Greenwich. The event is free and open to the public.
Holiday Roadwork Pause Eases Travel
Greenwich will pause all private, non-emergency roadwork from November 24 through January 2. During this period, no excavations, roadway openings, or sidewalk and parking disruptions will be allowed in the central business districts of downtown Greenwich, Old Greenwich, Riverside, Cos Cob, Byram, or Glenville. The temporary halt is intended to reduce congestion during the holiday season.
School Zone Cameras Enhance Safety
Greenwich is adding four new school-zone speed-camera locations, with warnings beginning November 18, 2025, and citations starting December 17. Several existing camera sites will also begin issuing citations on November 19. Cameras operate only during active school hours and flashing-beacon periods, with fines set at $50 for a first violation and $75 for subsequent ones.
Toyota Dealership Expansion
The Planning & Zoning Commission will vote next week on Toyota of Greenwich’s proposal to expand its Cos Cob dealership, including two additions totaling about 1,900 square feet and interior renovations. The application follows ongoing concerns about nighttime light spilling into nearby properties; the dealership has proposed dimming lights after closing, installing a more focused lighting system, adding screening, and changing the building’s exterior to reduce glare. The commission will review these measures before deciding on the requested zoning change and special permit.
Greenwich Secures Funding For Trees
Greenwich’s Director of Environmental Affairs, Beth Evans, informed the Board of Selectmen that the town received a fully funded $49,536 state grant to plant trees on public and private property in Byram through CT-DEEP’s “Trees for Communities” program. The board approved the required authorizing resolution so the town can proceed with contract steps and meet the Nov. 30 deadline. The project, called Byram Branches, will expand the urban tree canopy with coordinated planting, outreach, and installation handled by town departments.
Tremont Street Safety Improvements Advance
Residents of Tremont Street in Cos Cob are seeking safety measures after a driver sped over a blind hill last month, nearly hitting children and pets. The town is reviewing the issue, noting that navigation apps may have previously misidentified the dead-end as a through route. Public Works staff are collecting traffic data and planning clearer signage as part of an ongoing investigation.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Greenwich Support Rises Amid Need
Greenwich United Way issued a $40,000 emergency grant to Neighbor to Neighbor as 223 local households will lose SNAP benefits on December 1 due to eligibility changes. The food pantry expects increased demand, as nearly a third of residents struggle to meet basic needs despite being employed. Greenwich United Way, an independent local nonprofit, funds and coordinates community programs to address these gaps.
Abilis Launches Holiday Gift Drive
Abilis is running its 2025 Holiday Gift Drive through December 12 to collect new toys, books, and clothing for children in its Early Intervention program and adults in its Life Services program. Donations can be delivered to Abilis’ Greenwich and Stamford sites or to participating First Bank of Greenwich branches, or sent directly via the organization’s Amazon Wish List. Tax-deductible contributions can also be made at abilis.us/donate.
Sophia’s Christmas Celebration Marks Milestone
Sophia’s Gifts & Costumes will hold its annual Christmas event on Wednesday, December 3, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at 428 E Putnam Ave in Cos Cob, marking its 45th year in business. Guests may shop while light refreshments are served. Holiday hours run Tuesday–Saturday 10–6 and Sunday 12–5.
Holiday Drive Supports Local Families
Greenwich’s Parks and Recreation Department and Neighbor to Neighbor are running their annual Holiday Food Drive through December 12. Residents can donate non-perishable items at multiple town facilities or contribute fresh produce through an online drive. All donations support local families facing food insecurity during the holiday season.
Santa Deliveries Support Local Volunteers
The Cos Cob Fire Police Patrol will run its “Operation Santa” fundraiser on December 13, 14, 20, and 21, with volunteers delivering pre-wrapped gifts accompanied by Santa and the Grinch. Families can reserve a delivery time online, and limited visits are also available on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day by email inquiry. Donations will support the all-volunteer agency in place of its usual annual benefit.
Community Rallies for Thanksgiving Aid
Barbara’s House will hold its fifth annual Thanksgiving Food Drive next Wednesday, providing full holiday meals for more than 70 families and individualized meals for about 100 senior citizens in Greenwich. Local chef Juan Benitez, Tony and Alston Calabrese, and volunteers prepare the food, supported by the Calabrese family’s Food for Fairfield foundation. The effort is also aided by the Glenville Polish Club, Neighbor to Neighbor, Stew Leonard’s, Greenwich Community Bank, and individual turkey donors.
Abilis Opens Advanced Care Home
Abilis opened its first medical-model residential home in Stamford for adults with complex medical and developmental needs, marking the addition of a fully accessible, six-bed facility to its network of residences in Fairfield County. The home provides 24/7 care, adaptive equipment, and accessible design features, including lift systems and modified bathrooms. Four residents have already moved in, and the organization describes the project as an important step in expanding long-term supportive housing close to families.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Greenwich Navigator Earns Rally Honors
A Greenwich native, Rebecca Dalski, served as navigator in the 2025 Rebelle Rally, a 1,700-mile off-road competition that requires map-and-compass navigation without digital tools. She and driver Rebecca Donaghe placed second in the X-Cross class and earned the Bone Stock Award using an unmodified BMW X5.
Scouting Council Welcomes New Leader
Julie Scoran has been appointed District Director of Program for the Greenwich Council of Scouting America. She brings extensive Scouting experience and a background in education, along with a focus on strengthening youth membership and program support. The Council notes her arrival as an important step in advancing its mission to prepare young people for leadership and service.
Veteran Mentor Earns National Honor
Don Palmer, a 33-year veteran of the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich, received the Goodwins, Hammersley & Bushnell Award at the Boys & Girls Club of America’s Northeast Annual Conference. The national award honors individuals who advance the organization’s longstanding mission of youth development. Palmer has played a central role in shaping programs and support for generations of Greenwich youth.
SCHOOLS
Greenwich Preschool Applications Now Open
Greenwich Public Schools are accepting applications for the 2026–27 Integrated Preschool Program from Greenwich children who will be at least three years old by September 1, 2026. The program serves students with special needs and typically developing peers in seven elementary schools using standardized, research-based curricula aligned with state guidelines. Enrollment is determined by lottery, with applications due December 14 and selections made December 15.
Castle Inspires Students At GCDS
Greenwich Country Day School hosted Shaun Castle for Veterans Day programs, where he spoke with students about his service and his injury during an Army training exercise in 2000. He explained how rehabilitation led him to adaptive sports and wheelchair basketball. Castle now serves as Chief Operating Officer of Paralyzed Veterans of America and Executive Director of its Research and Education Foundations.
Bad Kitty Creator Engages Students
Author and illustrator Nick Bruel visited Brunswick School’s Lower School to share his “Bad Kitty” series. He read from *Bad Kitty: Party Animal* and demonstrated how he draws the character. Bruel also worked with students to create a short, collaborative story.
Sacred Heart Students Visit United Nations
Sixteen upper school students from Sacred Heart Greenwich’s Global Scholars program visited the United Nations Headquarters in New York City for the UN’s “Focus on Women” tour. They viewed key areas, including the General Assembly Hall, and received information on women’s roles in peace, security, human rights, and global development. The visit provided an overview of women’s contributions within the UN system and global decision-making.
SPORTS
Whitby Staff Secure Victory
Whitby School’s faculty and staff won the annual soccer game against the 8th graders. Coach Brad Jeeves led the team. The event continued a long-running school tradition.
Cardinals Capture Historic State Championship
Greenwich High School won its first-ever CIAC Class LL girls soccer championship with a 4–0 victory over Amity, powered by goals from Harriet Franks (2), Kenna Harlow, and Shay Sippel. The Cardinals controlled the match from the start, capitalizing on early chances and maintaining strong possession while goalkeeper Taylor DeVries anchored a shutout. The win capped an 18-2-2 season and marked the culmination of eight years of steady progress under head coach Simon Rumbold.
Cardinals Triumph For State Title
Greenwich High School rebounded from an opening-set loss to defeat Glastonbury 3-1 and claim the CIAC Class LL state championship, finishing the season 25–1. Junior outside hitter Heidi Zieme earned MVP honors with 20 kills, 15 digs, and two aces. Strong performances across the lineup powered the Cardinals’ turnaround, securing the program’s third state title.
Greenwich Surges Past Darien Strong
Greenwich defeated Darien 35-14 on Senior Night, rebounding from its previous low-scoring loss with a balanced offensive performance and steady defensive pressure. Sophomore quarterback Phil Tarantino accounted for four touchdowns, while the defense added a pick-six to help build and maintain a comfortable lead. The win moved Greenwich to 7–2 and solidified its No. 3 standing in the Class LL rankings heading into the Thanksgiving matchup with Staples.
Greenwich Powers Into State Final
Greenwich High School swept Fairfield Warde, 3–0, in the Class LL semifinals, avenging its only regular-season loss and advancing to the state championship match. Strong performances from Kayah Armstrong, Victoria Sullivan, Heidi Zieme, and Aleena Jacobsen helped the Cardinals control the match from start to finish. Greenwich, now 23–1, will face Glastonbury for the Class LL title on Nov. 15.
GHS Boys Soccer Charge Into State Final
Greenwich High School advanced to the CIAC Class LL boys soccer final after a 4–1 semifinal win over South Windsor on Nov. 11 in Waterbury. Senior Alexander Amato scored twice, with Joseph Carroll and Ebrima Touray adding goals to secure the victory. The Cardinals (20–1) will face rival Staples High School in the state championship on Nov. 16 at Trinity Health Stadium in Hartford.
Greenwich Swimmers Shine
Greenwich High School won the 2025 CIAC Class LL Swimming Championships with 1,038.5 points, highlighted by a sweep of the top four spots in the 500-yard freestyle. The team earned eight event victories and strong depth across swimming and diving to finish well ahead of runner-up Norwalk/McMahon. Senior captain Melissa Geiger led the 500 freestyle sweep, while multiple athletes contributed podium finishes throughout the meet.
LOCAL POLITICS
FROM HARTFORD
ACROSS CT
Connecticut Strengthens Roadside Safety Measures
Connecticut’s Slow Down, Move Over law requires drivers to slow down and, when possible, change lanes for any stopped vehicle on a highway. The rule aims to protect the many responders who work roadside each year, as crashes routinely put them at risk of injury or death. The state also provides extensive safety training to improve coordination and reduce dangers during traffic incidents.
