POLICE & FIRE
Four eighth-grade students from Western Middle School in Greenwich, Connecticut, assisted a distressed fourth-grade girl from Hamilton Avenue School when she became lost on her first day. They guided her back, stayed with her until her family was contacted, and were praised by Chief James Heavey, who awarded them certificates of appreciation and Chief’s Award of Excellence Coins. Principal Suzanne Coyne commended their kindness and community spirit, while the boys stressed the importance of helping others.
The Greenwich Police Department will host “Police Day” at its downtown headquarters this weekend for families to come meet the men and women of the department. Visitors will get to see demonstrations of department equipment, get building tours, enjoy a bouncy house, hot dogs, and more. The event is tomorrow, Saturday May 11 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Public Safety Complex, 11 Bruce Place.
FROM TOWN HALL
Dr. Greg Kramer, Greenwich’s Tree Warden, is arranging a public hearing to discuss the removal of 188 town trees at Central Middle School for a new building project, which will not require relocating the students. Some of the trees, particularly around a large rock formation near the school’s entrance, may have historical significance. The virtual hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 15, via Zoom, aiming to comply with Connecticut statutes and welcomes objections from individuals and organizations.
Greenwich Library, led by First Selectman Fred Camillo, is conducting a survey to collect community feedback on its services. The survey, available online until May 21 and in paper format at select branches, welcomes input from individuals aged 12 and above in multiple languages. Participants are eligible to win one of three $50 gift cards for The Café at Greenwich Library, with Camillo emphasizing the survey’s significance in shaping the library’s strategic direction for the next three years. The survey is available at https://www.greenwichlibrary.org/
With the approach of summer, the issue of how to dispose of damaged or worn-out American flags arises. To dispose of flags properly, there is a disposal container located at Town Hall where residents can drop off old flags during business hours, ensuring proper disposal while honoring the flag’s significance.
As of April 8, 2024, Town of Greenwich OnePass holders with a Tennis/Pickleball Pass can reserve court time on all public park and school courts in Greenwich, allowing for one hour of court time per day up to five days in advance. Senior residents must now purchase a $25 Senior Tennis/Pickleball Pass to access courts during the “in play” season, which can be obtained online through www.greenwichct.gov/webtrac . Additionally, online registration is ongoing for Tennis Clinics at Bruce Park, though certain sections are already full, and registration for Summer Pickleball group play for adults is open with reminders to select appropriate skill levels and display proper etiquette while playing.
The Recreation Division’s weather cancellation hotline number is 203-861-6100. It’s the best way to know about cancellations or changes to outdoor activities before they’re posted on the Recreation Sports Website.
AROUND TOWN
Representatives Arzeno, Meskers, and Khanna have secured $750,000 for local organizations and programs through the budget stabilization bill, with a focus on initiatives like elevator repairs at the Greenwich Library and roof replacement at Parsonage Cottage.
Residents have the chance to donate eclipse glasses for future use through Fred DeCaro III and Mary Hegarty, Registrars of Voters, who are working with Astronomers Without Borders to collect and distribute them to regions where eclipses will occur. Glasses can be dropped off at the Registrars’ office in Town Hall until May 13. This initiative offers a straightforward way for people to contribute to extending the opportunity to view eclipses safely to others around the world.
Aquarion Water Company has been conducting nighttime construction on Greenwich Avenue since February to replace 2,000 feet of water mains, aiming for completion by early summer. Justin Xenelis, manager of utility programs at Aquarion, provided details on the project’s final stages during a recent Board of Selectmen meeting, noting a late June to early July completion timeframe and addressing potential disruptions to mid-July sidewalk sales. The Selectmen approved extending the project into summer and also endorsed intermittent road closures for Eversource.
Residents of Greenwich need a OnePass card to access local facilities like beaches and parks until October. First Selectman Fred Camillo advises residents to confirm their residency status early since processing the card can take up to five days. Alternatively, visitors can purchase a single-entry ticket for $10, with an additional $40 for parking. Note that the operating hours vary by facility. Lifeguards will be present for safety, and dogs are only permitted at Greenwich Point Park between December and March.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Stamp Out Hunger, organized by Neighbor to Neighbor, is asking people to leave non-perishable food items by their mailbox on tomorrow, Saturday, May 11, to be collected and delivered by letter carriers. Needed items include canned proteins, staples like pasta and cereal, and household items like surface wipes and soaps. Donors should check for expiration dates, as Neighbor to Neighbor serves over 575 households weekly and relies on these donations to meet increased summer demand; for those unable to participate in person, there’s a Virtual Food Drive option.
A Memorial Day ceremony will take place at Binney Park on May 27, organized by the Sound Beach Volunteer Fire Department. Lieutenant Kristina Oberst, currently stationed in Norfolk, VA, will speak at the event. The community will gather to honor the sacrifices of those who served their nation.
Christ Church is preparing a time capsule for its 275th anniversary, led by Jane Snowdon, a vestry member. The capsule will include various items representing life in 2024, such as a Taylor Swift DVD chosen by the youth group, letters, newspapers, and religious texts. Dominic Casserley, the church’s Senior Warden, views the capsule as a means to commemorate the past and offer insight into the future when it’s opened in 2049.
The Greenwich Farmers Market opens on May 18th at 9:30 am in the Horseneck commuter parking lot. It operates on Saturdays from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm, offering durable shopping bags and authentic farm products. The 2024 vendor lineup includes many local businesses and farms, and will run until November 23rd.
Nathaniel Witherell held a luncheon during National Volunteers Week to honor its volunteers, with about 60 attendees including Shakri Abdusalamova, the youngest volunteer. Executive Director John Mastronardi stressed the volunteers’ impact, quoting Winston Churchill and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Volunteers engage in a range of activities, from recreation to Bingo.
The Flynn Gallery is presenting a new exhibition, “Mapping the Invisible,” which explores the intersection of art, mathematics, and science, featuring Laura Battle, Jaq Belcher, and Amy Myers, with an artist talk on June 1 at 2 pm.
Abilis held its Spring for Abilis Gala at the Greenwich Country Club, raising $680,000 for new programs. The partnership with the club provides employment opportunities for Abilis community members. Co-chaired by Afton Fraser, Gena Mann, and Hillary Sollinger, the event featured entertainment including performances by ETA Music, Billy Blanks Jr., and The Dance Pointe, with a rendition of “Hallelujah” by Billy Mann and his daughter Lulu.
The Greenwich Girl Scouts and the League of Women Voters Greenwich joined forces to educate young residents about government, culminating in the Women in Government event at Greenwich Town Hall. With 10 activity stations and the participation of 19 dignitaries alongside 100 Girl Scouts, the event aimed to foster civic awareness and engagement. Participants received stamps on event passports, engaged in various activities including crafting and learning sessions, and earned Democracy badges, embodying the event’s mission of education and empowerment in Greenwich’s community spirit.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Joyce Ballou Kelly and her twin sister, Joan Ballou Mathes, celebrated their 90th birthday at First Congregational Church in Old Greenwich with about 70 guests. The sisters moved to Greenwich in the 1960s, attended the Yale School of Music, and pursued careers as professional performers and music teachers.
Gavin Haroche established Whiz Kids at 17, driven by his experiences helping his grandfather with technology and participating in a senior engagement program. Whiz Kids provides personalized tech support to seniors, starting at Parsonage Cottage Senior Residence and expanding to Atria Rye Brook, using methods like sticky notes to aid learning. Haroche aims for Whiz Kids to extend its impact statewide, emphasizing both technical assistance and the value of companionship for seniors.
SCHOOLS
James Antonucci, previously of West Hartford Public Schools, will assume the role of PreK-12 arts program coordinator for Greenwich Public Schools starting July 1. He will oversee visual and performing arts programs in 15 schools, reporting to Marc D’Amico, the Chief Officer of K-12 Curriculum and Leadership. Antonucci’s appointment reflects Greenwich’s dedication to recruiting top educators and leaders, supported by his background in education and music, with plans to enhance student-centered arts education and community engagement.
State Representatives Meskers, Arzeno, and Khanna secured a State grant for Central Middle School’s construction following temporary closures due to structural issues and recent seismic activity. Their efforts resulted in a 20% reimbursement rate. Groundbreaking is scheduled for December 2024, with the new school slated to open in August 2026.
The NMSC announced the recipients of $2,500 National Merit Scholarships, including six students from Greenwich, chosen from over 15,000 finalists based on academic achievements and recommendations. Over 6,870 finalists earned the “Merit Scholar” title, collectively receiving almost $26 million in scholarships, which can be used at any accredited U.S. college or university. Among the recipients are students with interests ranging from physics and economics to biotechnology, computer science, and electrical engineering.
The fourth annual Greenwich middle school STEM fair returns this month with over 70 students presenting their scientific projects. Zara Haque, a junior at Greenwich High School, is helping organize the event alongside the First Selectman’s Youth Commission. The fair aims to spark interest in STEM among middle schoolers and will feature student presentations on posters, with awards given for categories like “Best in Fair” and “Most Creative Display” on May 18 at the Greenwich Water Club.
SPORTS
Senior athletes from Greenwich Academy are preparing to transition to collegiate sports. Anaya Brown will join Lafayette College’s track and field team, Caroline Busler will play field hockey at Amherst College, Maryan Guzman will swim for Babson College, Maddy Lee will run for Washington University in St. Louis, Grace Martucci will play lacrosse at Hamilton College, Ella Miller will join Amherst College’s squash team, and Lola Tirabassi will play soccer at Denison University.
The Brunswick School lacrosse team continued their dominant streak with a 16-8 victory over Westminster School, extending their undefeated season to 13-0. Senior captain Hudson Hausmann led the charge with four goals, supported by strong performances from his teammates, as they celebrated Senior Day with a convincing win and maintained their top ranking in the USA Lacrosse High School Boys National Top 25 poll.
Greenwich High School boys lacrosse team lost to Ridgefield 10-6, following a 6-1 lead by Ridgefield. Despite the loss, Greenwich improved their record to 7-6 with a 16-5 victory against Fordham Prep on May 4, heading into Tuesday’s Senior Night game versus Norwalk.
Greenwich High School’s baseball team has undergone an impressive turnaround, winning seven of its last eight games after starting the season 2-5, now standing at 9-6 overall and tied for first place in the conference standings, with their latest victory being a 6-2 win over Darien on Senior Day, where freshman Luke Langhorne’s stellar pitching performance and contributions from senior leaders propelled them to success.
Greenwich High School’s boys tennis team secured two more victories this week against Ridgefield and Stamford, maintaining their perfect season with an 11-0 record, highlighted by Manuel Galli Specos and Matthew Hunt’s singles wins and strong performances in doubles. Conversely, the boys volleyball team faced defeats against New Canaan and Westhill, with James Kovac leading in statistics despite the losses.
Brunswick School’s crew team successfully defended the Kulaga Cup by winning all of its races against Fairfield Prep, with each of its three varsity boats triumphing by open water. The races took place on Cedar Creek in Bridgeport, Conn., with Brunswick showcasing strong performances despite racing against an incoming tide, setting the stage for their upcoming competition at the Kent Invitational on May 11.
The Greenwich High School softball team has shown significant improvement this season, evident in their recent 3-2 extra inning win against Danbury High School, marking their fifth victory and surpassing their win total from the previous year. Coach Alexyss Conley attributes their success to improvements in both defense and offense, with players like Cameron Clark delivering clutch hits and pitcher Sophia Blois showcasing strong performances on the mound.
The Greenwich High School girls water polo team wrapped up another undefeated season with an 18-11 victory over Greenwich Aquatics, marking their fourth consecutive undefeated spring campaign with a record of 17-0. Led by senior captains Olivia and Ashley Hopper, the team’s strong bond and balanced scoring effort propelled them to success, concluding a memorable season highlighted by victories over competitive teams and bonding experiences both on and off the field.
The Greenwich High School girls golf team had a memorable 2023 season, winning the CIAC Division I Championship with a perfect 12-0 record and secured their first state championship since 2016. In 2024, they continue their success, currently standing at 5-1, displaying strong teamwork and individual performances, aiming for another successful season under new coach Brian Dayton.
ACROSS CT
Eversource announced it will stop $100 million per year in investment spending in Connecticut for five years due to regulatory issues with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). The $500 million cut will impact system reliability, electric vehicle infrastructure, and smart-meter installation. CEO Joe Nolan stated that investment will not resume until Connecticut provides a clear cost recovery path, emphasizing that this regulatory dispute affects the state’s infrastructure and reputation.
OUR NEIGHBORS
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York hosted the 2024 Met Gala on Monday. Connecticut resident and fashion designer Christian Siriano, owner of The Collective West boutique in Westport, designed a black French orchid lace gown for Tony Award winner Alex Newell, in line with the event’s theme, “The Garden of Time.” The event featured numerous celebrities, including Connecticut-affiliated attendees such as Tommy Hilfiger, Lauren Santo Domingo, Chloë Sevigny, and Yale alumni Jeremy Strong.
The Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater in Bridgeport will kick off its fourth summer concert season on May 18 with Neil Young and Crazy Horse. This season will feature over 40 events, including performances by Lainey Wilson, Kings of Leon, James Taylor, Billy Strings, and Creed. New additions for 2024 include various food options, a 65-foot video board, sound insulation panels, entrance lights, four new suites, and enhanced security.
