POLICE & FIRE
Greenwich Expands School Zone Safety
Greenwich police will expand the town’s photo speed-enforcement program to include Greenwich High School on Hillside Road, with a warning period beginning Dec. 8 and citations starting Jan. 8, 2026. Earlier camera sites at Central Middle, Glenville, and Parkway schools begin issuing citations Dec. 17. A 2024 speed study at GHS recorded 6,342 violations in five days—about 10% of all vehicles—prompting the addition of this location.
Winter Ash Safety Measures Strengthen
Recent fires across Connecticut have been traced to fireplace and woodstove ashes that were not fully extinguished or properly stored. Fire officials are urging residents to cool ashes for several days, keep them only in lidded metal containers stored outdoors away from buildings, and maintain working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their homes. These steps significantly reduce the risk of preventable structure fires during the winter heating season.
Greenwich Police Open New Opportunities
A new notice on the town website announces that the Greenwich Police Department will offer an entry-level officer exam in January 2026, with a signup deadline of January 2 at 4 p.m. The message was sent to subscribers who previously opted in. Recipients can unsubscribe through the town’s website, and subscriber contact information becomes part of the public record.
Cos Cob Patrol Announces Leadership
The Cos Cob Fire Police Patrol elected its 2025-2026 line and executive officers at its annual meeting on November 11. The roster includes Chief Brian M. Kelly, a full slate of lieutenants and sergeants, and executive officers led by President Stephanie Dunn Ashley and the organization’s board of directors. Master Police Officer Patrick O’Connor administered the oaths; the all-volunteer 501(c)(3), founded in 1927, invites prospective members to contact recruitment@ccfpp.org
Holiday Partnership Keeps Greenwich Safe
The Greenwich Police Department is working with Riverside Service to offer safe transport for residents unable to drive between December 1, 2025, and January 4, 2026. Anyone needing assistance for themselves and their vehicle can call the non-emergency line at 203-622-8004. The department advises residents not to drive after drinking.
Greenwich Police Launch Holiday Toy Drive
The Greenwich Police Department is collecting new, unwrapped toys to support local children from families in need. Residents can drop off donations at the Public Safety Complex on Sunday, Dec. 7, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. All new toy contributions are accepted.
FROM TOWN HALL
Parks & Rec Fee Increase Considered The Board of Selectmen is considering Park & Rec. Fee increases. See details here: https://www.greenwichct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/52960/CY26-PnR-Fee-Proposal-BOS-Packet
Greenwich Strengthens Winter Safety Readiness
Greenwich residents are encouraged to enroll in Greenwich Alerts ahead of the winter months to receive timely emergency notifications. The system, operated by the town’s Emergency Management Team, provides fast updates on hazardous conditions and public-safety concerns. Residents can sign up online, by texting Greenwich to 888-777, or by using the EverBridge app.
Townwide Leaf Collection Progresses Smoothly
The town has begun its second and final round of leaf collection. Residents should place leaves at the curb as soon as their road section appears on the active schedule and stop once their street’s final pickup is complete. Final collection is finished in Sections 3, 4, 17, 18, and crews are now working in Sections 5–8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 19, and 23.
Holiday Donations Support Local Children
Toys for Tots collection boxes are located in the Town Hall lobby and at nearly 80 additional sites across Greenwich, including churches, community centers, stores, and several public schools. Boxes will be picked up on December 15, but donations will continue to be accepted afterward. The program requests new, unwrapped gifts for children of all ages, with a particular need for items suitable for middle school boys.
Holiday Donations Support Local Youth
The Greenwich Parks & Recreation Foundation is asking residents to support its Scholarship Fund, which helps local children access recreational programs such as sports and summer camps. The fund relies entirely on donations from individuals, businesses, and community groups, and contributions are tax-deductible. Community members can donate throughout the holiday season through the Foundation’s online portal.
Festive Community Tree Lighting Returns
The annual Greenwich tree lighting took place on Friday, December 5 on the lawn of Town Hall. The event featured performances by Greenwich A’Capella and Allegra Dance, along with visits from Santa. Attendees enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies before the countdown to the lighting.
Stone McGuigan Continues Community Leadership
Last Tuesday, Selectperson Janet Stone McGuigan attended her final Board of Selectmen meeting, where her four years of service were formally recognized with a proclamation. She will continue in town government as a member of the RTM beginning in January. She has also agreed to serve as a tri-chair of the Sustainability Committee with Selectwoman Lauren Rabin and Environmental Affairs Director Beth Evans.
Greenwich Supports Pancreatic Cancer Awareness
Greenwich has declared November 20 as World Pancreatic Cancer Day to highlight the need for greater public awareness of the disease’s severity. In 2025, an estimated 67,440 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which has a five-year survival rate of 13 percent and often appears only in late stages. A local survivor’s early detection and long-term survival underscore the importance of education about symptoms and available resources.
AROUND TOWN
Greenwich Advances New Housing Development
Greenwich’s Planning & Zoning Commission voted 4-1 to approve a plan to demolish the 217-bed Greenwich Woods nursing facility and replace it with a 170-unit assisted housing development, 51 of which would qualify as affordable under state statute 8-30g. The project was reduced from an earlier 215-unit proposal after the developer was unable to secure additional sewer capacity from Westchester County, and the commission’s approval now requires the applicant to obtain a new sewer agreement or build an on-site treatment facility before occupancy. If no agreement is reached, the commission also directed the applicant to consider converting the existing building to residential use.
Greenwich Honors Pearl Harbor Anniversary
Greenwich will hold a ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 7, to mark the 84th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attacks. American Legion Post 29 will lead the observance at 1 p.m. at the war memorial on Greenwich Avenue. The 1941 attack killed more than 2,400 Americans, damaged or destroyed nearly 20 U.S. naval vessels, and prompted the nation’s entry into World War II.
Bush Statue Plan Wins Approval
The Planning & Zoning Commission approved a revised plan for a George H. W. Bush statue after multiple design and location changes. Earlier proposals were withdrawn due to space constraints, tree removals, and concerns about visibility and placement near existing war memorials. The final plan removes architectural elements, shifts the statue closer to the Havemeyer Building, and now proceeds to the Representative Town Meeting for acceptance of the private donation.
Albanian Community Marks Independence Day
The Albanian Youth Center held its 21st annual Albanian Independence Day flag-raising ceremonies on November 30, 2025, in Greenwich and Stamford. The first event took place at 11:00 a.m. at Greenwich Town Hall, followed by a 1:00 p.m. ceremony at the Stamford Government Center. Both programs included traditional performances and remarks from local representatives.
Greenwich Expands Community Mental Health
Greenwich used federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to expand local mental-health and addiction services through four established community agencies. The investment supported professional training, new clinical programs for children and teens, expanded psychiatric capacity, additional counseling, and school-based social-work services. Together, these efforts increased access to coordinated, preventive care for residents and strengthened the town’s overall support network.
Greenwich Crews Advance Leaf Collection
Greenwich Public Works has finished the first round of leaf collection in sections 3–9, 13–14, and 17–23. Crews are now working in sections 1–2, 10–12, and 15–16. The town will announce the schedule for the second collection once it is set.
Glenville Corridor Improvements Move Forward
Work on the CMAQ Glenville Corridor traffic upgrades will continue into winter as conditions allow, including new sidewalks, granite curbs, and improvements near the Glenville Road–Riversville Road intersection. Drivers should follow posted construction signs and plan for possible delays. DPW will work to keep traffic moving while the project advances.
Greenwich Honors Veterans With Wreaths
Greenwich will hold its annual Wreaths Across America ceremony on Dec. 13 at 11 a.m. at the Old Burying Ground on Byram Shore Road. The Horseneck Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will place wreaths on the graves of Revolutionary War soldiers Daniel Lyon and Daniel Sherwood, as part of the national observance taking place at Arlington National Cemetery and more than 2,100 other sites. The event honors veterans from the nation’s earliest conflicts to the present.
Greenwich Food Drive Supports Families
The Greenwich Parks and Recreation Food Drive runs through Dec. 12 to help local families facing food insecurity. Non-perishable donations can be dropped off at Town Hall, Parks and Recreation offices, the Bendheim Western and Cohen Eastern Civic Centers, and the Dorothy Hamill Ice Rink, or given online. All contributions go directly to Greenwich residents through Neighbor to Neighbor.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Record Crowds Energize Turkey Trot
The Greenwich Alliance for Education’s 2025 Turkey Trot drew a record 1,779 participants, the highest attendance in the event’s 15-year history, and raised significant funds for programs supporting Greenwich Public School students. The event featured the new Mini Trot for ages 3–5, the one-mile race, and a 5K in which Kyle Grieve set a men’s course record at 15:20.3 and Zara Geddes led the women at 18:36.2. Additional age-group winners were recognized across nine divisions for both male and female runners.
Garden Club Brightens Old Greenwich
Members of the Garden Club of Old Greenwich recently prepared holiday decorations throughout the village, focusing on the main business district. Volunteers cut and arranged locally sourced greens, adding bows and ornaments to beds and planters in time for the First Light celebration. The project is part of the club’s ongoing work to support community upkeep and civic improvement.
Waste Free Holidays Inspire Action
A “Waste Free Holidays” display is available in the Town Hall lobby through December, offering a gift guide focused on low-waste options such as experiences, consumables, secondhand items, and durable goods. A virtual Lunch & Learn on practical, sustainable holiday practices will be presented by the Greenwich Conservation Commission and Waste Free Greenwich, in coordination with the PTA Council Green Schools Committee. The session will be held on Thursday, December 11, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., with registration on the Waste Free Greenwich website.
Expanded Jiu Jitsu Scholarship Program
Greenwich Jiu Jitsu Academy is expanding its Guardian Greenwich Scholarship Program, adding new spots for 2026 to provide more local students with access to Jiu Jitsu training. The initiative, created with nonprofit partner Guardian Training, aims to support youth by improving physical health, confidence, resilience, and access to safe extracurricular activities. Applications and donation opportunities are now available at greenwichjiujitsu.com/guardian-scholarship-application
Greenwich Hyperbaric Center Earns Distinction
Greenwich Hospital’s Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Wound Healing received Accreditation with Distinction from the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society, the organization’s highest level of recognition. The designation indicates the Center exceeds national standards for safety, clinical performance, and quality in hyperbaric and wound care. The program provides advanced hyperbaric oxygen therapy and specialized treatment for chronic and complex wounds.
State Grant Strengthens Witherell Facilities
The Friends of Nathaniel Witherell received a $20,000 state legislative grant to complete two infrastructure repairs at the town-owned nursing and rehabilitation center. The funds will replace the facility’s kitchen fire doors to maintain safety compliance and install a new dairy cooler needed for proper food storage. The nonprofit supports the center through volunteer work and funding for essential projects.
SCHOOLS
Community Support Grows at GHS
Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones’ weekly update highlights the PTA-run GHS Community Pantry, which provides food and essential items to students who need them. Usage has grown from about 40 students to more than 70 each week, especially before weekends when school meals are unavailable. Anyone may contribute online at the link provided.
Difference Makers Honored Across Greenwich
Superintendent Toni Jones announced the December recipients of the Greenwich Public Schools “Difference Makers 2.0” award, which recognizes employees who have made significant contributions to the district. One staff member from each school and district department is honored monthly, with nominations submitted by principals and senior administrators. The December 2025 honorees include educators, support staff, and specialists representing schools across the district.
SPORTS
Cardinals Advance With Commanding Victory
Greenwich defeated Staples 41–7 in the Class LL quarterfinals, pulling away with a dominant second half fueled by a strong running game, steady defense, and effective special teams. Hector Lopez and Jack Kelly combined for four rushing touchdowns, while quarterback Phil Tarantino added another score and 144 passing yards. The Cardinals advanced to face Fairfield Prep in the state semifinals after outgaining Staples 379–194 and shutting the Wreckers out after halftime.
Cardinals Triumph In Thanksgiving Victory
Greenwich defeated Staples 33–19 on Thanksgiving, powered by three touchdowns from Jack Kelly, two scores from Hector Lopez, and a steady performance by quarterback Phil Tarantino. The win closed out the Cardinals’ regular season at 8–2 and secured the No. 3 seed in the Class LL Tournament, where they will face Staples again in the quarterfinals on Dec. 2. Greenwich led 20–19 at halftime and controlled the second half, outscoring the Wreckers 14–0.
Brunswick Standout Commits To Brown
Tyrus Ostrowski, a Brunswick School junior, has made a verbal commitment to play baseball at Brown University, where he was recruited as both an outfielder and pitcher. A year-round player with extensive travel-team experience, he chose Brown after connecting strongly with its new coaching staff and campus environment. Inspired by his athletic family and driven by long-standing goals, he hopes to make an immediate impact in college while continuing to pursue his dream of playing professionally.
ACROSS CT
Major Grants Boost Sound Restoration
Federal and state agencies, along with conservation partners, announced nearly $12 million in new grants to restore Long Island Sound, bringing total 2025 project investments to more than $20 million with matching contributions. The funding will support 36 projects aimed at reducing pollution, removing marine debris, restoring coastal and aquatic habitat, improving fish passage, and expanding public stewardship programs across five states in the Sound’s watershed. Since its inception, the Long Island Sound Futures Fund has supported hundreds of projects that have reduced nitrogen loads, restored habitat, treated stormwater, and engaged millions of residents in conservation efforts.
