First Selectman Fred Camillo and Greenwich Hospital president Diane Kelly held a press conference on the eve of Thanksgiving strongly urging residents to take the threat of Covid-19 seriously.
They warned residents with family members arriving from out of state to take care to wear masks indoors, social distance and hand wash.
First Selectman Fred Camillo at Greenwich Town Hall on Nov 24 to help with turkey give away to families in need. Photo: Leslie Yager
“That state of Connecticut’s positivity is back up. We have the highest hospitalization number since May 16, and the highest single day death count since May 25,” Camillo said. “And this is all before Thanksgiving break.”
Kelly said last week there were 18 patients in-house at Greenwich Hospital.
“Today we are at 24 positive patients, and 3 are ventilated in the ICU,” she added.
Currently over 100 active Covid cases in Greenwich, which are being followed through contact tracing by the Dept of Health.
Deaths are up to 55 and the 14 day average per 63,000 (the town’s population) people is 14.
Total aggregate number of Greenwich residents who have tested positive is 1,475.
Greenwich is averaging at least 100 new cases a week.
“We have people coming into town from all different states, and we’re bracing for numbers to spike up even further because of that. Between now and New Year’s I think you’ll see numbers going up,” Camillo said.
With these grim numbers in mind, Camillo announced the town is closing its playing fields, effective immediately. This includes all the public fields in Greenwich, including Cos Cob Park and Greenwich High School.
“We are going to close all the playing fields to recreational activities, team sports and personal use,” he said, noting that with Governor Lamont’s Executive Order 9M on Nov 20, Governor Lamont temporarily paused sporting activities between Nov 23 and Jan 19.
“We want to make sure that that is enforced,” Camillo said, adding that the town is planning to put up signage to alert people to the rule.
“We don’t know where we’ll be on Jan 19th, but, even with all the positive news on a vaccination on the horizon, we can’t take our eye off the ball. This is the rough period we were warned about.”
Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo
Diane Kelly said, “We are already seeing this wave expand pretty quickly. People’s vigilance has to be top of mind.”
“Thanksgiving is going to be here tomorrow,” Kelly said. “Make sure you are masked, wash your hands and stay 6 feet apart, especially if there are people in your home that you’re not usually living with. It’s not advisable. If you’ve chosen to do that, what is a must is to wear a mask.”
“If you have to ask, ‘Should I?’ the answer is yes,” she added.
Kelly said this week Greenwich Hospital changed their visitation policy.
“Visitation is only by exception,” she said. “There is no general visiting. Exceptions are for end-of-life care, some pediatric care and child birth.”
Camillo said the Town’s beaches are closed to out-of-town visitors, but that trails remain open because hiking is usually a solitary activity.
“My gut is telling me we have a couple months of this, and will probably lighten up a little as we see the positive effects of a vaccination,” he said. “Certainly we are in the danger zone right now. We don’t want to, but we’re prepared to do anything we have to to keep people safe.”
“This is a very strong virus. It is highly contagious. Everyone’s efforts are so important,” Kelly said.
In a press conference on Monday Governor Ned Lamont, who mentioned he was happy to be out of quarantine himself, shared a -3-day Covid-19 summary.
He said CT’s 4.4% positivity rate actually reflected a slight decrease.
“It’s been going down over a week. We were at 5.8% a couple weeks ago. That is hopeful,” he said. “
“We’ve got to continue to do our best to tell the truth to the people of Connecticut, to say why the decisions we make are in their best interest, and 90% of what we do to stop the virus depends on their appropriate behavior. We’ll find out in the next few weeks if we can bend the curve a second time.”
Governor Ned Lamont
He noted that while hospitalizations and fatalities increasing, they are lagging indicators.
There were 59 additional fatalities over 3 days for a total of 5,020 in eight months. Deaths had more than tripled since the start of November compared to October.
Lamont said the models forecast that the peak of the second wave of Covid will come some in January, possibly earlier.
The dotted yellow line is positivity (7 day average) and blue lines are the numbers of people in the hospital. Green is the best and that’s VT and Hawaii. The lighter the color the better. CT is yellow, as is neighbors like NY and ME with less than 5%. Idaho and South Dakota are at 30%+ for perspective. “We’re still the 5th or 6th lowest in the country, which is good,” Lamont said.
Vice President Pence’s Covid Task Force Meetingwith Governors
The Governor said he just attended one of Vice President Mike Pence’s last Covid task force meetings.
“We were all on the same page. Everyone was wearing a mask, from the vice president and everyone around the table, and the governors, unless they were speaking,” he said.
An update from the task force meeting concerned vaccines.
“Probably by Dec 14 we could get our first 20,000 doses of (Pfizer) vaccine. And probably a week later we’ll get another 20,000 doses from Moderna – 95% effective,” he said. “Dr. Fauci was on, and said not only is it safe, it’s surprisingly effective.
In-Person Learning at Public Schools
“Dr. Fauci was very clear when he said this weekend to say, ‘Close the bars. Open the schools. And you can do it safely,'” Lamont said.
Fran Rabinowitz, director of the CT Association of Public School Superintendents, said superintendents have reported higher attendance for in-person learning, and that mitigating strategies were working.
“We know that in person schooling is so effective for all of our kids, but most especially for our youngest kids and our students with disabilities.”
“They’re also saying if they are forced to close, it’s not because of transmission of Covid,” Rabinowitz added. “It’s because they do not have enough staff to cover classrooms while staff are quarantining because they’ve been exposed outside school.”
Also, she said, “We’ve heard from the kids themselves – it’s so important for them to have the relationship with their teacher and fellow classmates. And it cuts down the isolation and some of the issues families have developed because of Covid.”
Governor Lamont noted that New York City Mayor DeBlasio announced Sunday that New York City Schools would reopen, at least for some children in younger grades and children with disabilities.
Gyms and Indoor Dining
Lamont said on of the day’s headlines varied referred to a letter from dozens of CT doctors urging the state to close gyms and indoor dining.
“Others say ‘No, you have to leave gyms and indoor dining open. It’s important for our mental health. It’s important for our economic health,'” he said.
“You don’t have to do a lot by fiat,” he said. “The people of CT continue to do the right thing.”
And while the results of behavior over Thanksgiving won’t be in for another week or two, he said Metro-North reported travel was down 85% and driving was down about 30% related to Thanksgiving.
“Restaurants have worked really hard to stay open and do it safely,” he continued, adding that analysis of Open Table offered a snapshot of behavior.
Restaurants were down 3% from Sept 2019 to Sept 2020.
Restaurants were down 18% from October 2019 to October 2020.
Restaurants were down 43% from November 2019 to November 2020.
“People tend to do what they’re comfortable with, and that’s what keeps them safe,” he said, adding that he would continue to look at numbers carefully, including whether hospital ICUs and staffing were being overwhelmed.
“I don’t think we’re close to that,” he said, adding that he did take the letter to heart and planned to talk to the doctors on Tuesday.
“I could shut down schools, shut down restaurants, lock everything up and say let’s come back in the new year,'” he said. “I think we have a good balance now. We can always change course of we have to.”
“We’re hoping with the institution of mandatory wearing of masks in gyms, which went into effect last week, that will help reduce the risk,” said Josh Geballe, Lamont’s chief operating officer. “We worry the most about indoor interactions with no masks.”
Vaccines
Lamont said CT should receive vaccines before the end of the year.
“Dec 14 is the date they’re hoping for at Pfizer,” he said, adding that the state has been working closely with CVS and Walgreens on distribution.
He said a focus in the near term will be on getting vaccines to nursing homes and hospitals, and that teachers will also be considered frontline workers.
Federal Aid
The Governor said he was eager for a deal for aid from the federal government, and explained a comment he made earlier in the day comparing Mitch McConnell to Herbert Hoover.
“The feds just can’t make up their mind what they’re going to do,” Lamont said, adding that states are running out of money.
“In terms of vaccinations and testing, states are coming up against the wall right now. You’ve heard a lot over the last few weeks about how restaurants need help, hospitals need help, universities need help, not-for-profits need help. If I bail them all out, who is going to bail out our state?” he asked. “The feds have got to do the right thing to fend off what could be a really severe recession….Let’s take something…Make a deal.”
On Tuesday night a pre application for a 15 unit multi family housing development at 4 Orchard Street, the site of a familiar florist next to Cos Cob School, raised eyebrows, particularly from neighbors.
The applicant is 4 Orchard LLC, which, according to the Secretary of State’s website is registered to Joseph Pecora, 70 Hamilton Ave, Pecora Brothers Inc.
4 Orchard Street in Cos Cob is currently home to Greenwich Florist. Photo: Leslie Yager
Attorney for the applicant, Bruce Cohen, said his client had acquired the property and proposed to develop it under C.G.S. Section 8-30g, which is the state’s affordable housing statute.
The Connecticut state statute offers developers latitude in terms of zoning when a municipality does not have at least 10% of its housing stock affordable.
P&Z Chair Margarita Alban said commissioners were particularly interested in the site in terms of rush hour and commuter routes, because people head up Valley to get to North Stamford or to get to the Merritt Parkway northbound.
Alban said the commission hoped the development would have a residential look, and fit into the neighborhood.
Mr. Cohen said his client’s proposal featured a smaller scaling building close to Orchard St in order to maintain the residential scale.
4 Orchard Street in Cos Cob is currently home to a florist.
Ms. Alban said there is a task force looking to implement the goal of diversifying housing per the Plan of Conservation and Development.
“One of the things the task force set out to do is figure out how to add small scale, affordable, set-aside developments in town,” Alban said. “The goal of diversifying our housing in the POCD – I believe that this goes toward achieving that general goal.”
“Strategically, I think it aligns with the POCD,” Alban added. “It’s just a question of how these 15 units will impact the traffic.”
Traffic Engineer John Canning was asked about traffic counts, given office workers were working remotely during Covid.
Canning said he compared the level of traffic activity projected for the 15 apartments – approximately 10 vehicles in the peak hours – and compared that with the level of traffic that would have occurred when the existing florist was operational.
He said the data indicates the 15 apartments would generate the same or less traffic than there is there now.
“Mr. Canning, what’s there now hasn’t generated anything in a long time,” Alban said. “I’d actually treat it as a vacant site.”
Alban said the commission had discussed the safety of Cos Cob children and the Level of Service (LOS) impacts at the intersection.
The intersection is offset and operates strangely at peak hours.
“Some of the traffic gets stuck, not knowing when it can jump out,” Alban said. “Those are the things we want you to address, and definitely look at this as a vacant site at the moment. I’ve not seen a car come of there in the last year.”
Mr. Cohen said he didn’t think the commission could look at the site as vacant.
“I think it’s fair to look at what legally could be done,” Cohen said. “A flower business can legally open up any time.”
“I’m sorry, that’s not fair to the town,” Alban said. “It may be legal or illegal, but you have to make an effort to do what’s right for the town.”
Commissioner Andy Fox described the intersection as complex.
Proposed queueing.
“It’s a difficult intersection,” Alban agreed, later adding that queuing backs up from the light at the intersection with East Putnam Ave.
Mr. Cohen said his client planned to relocate the driveway from the north side to the south so bedrooms and living rooms in buildings 1 an 2 have views over a residential area, rather than a parking lot.
“Our client did it in terms of the livability of people on the site,” he said.
“Hopefully they do live when they leave the site?” asked P&z director Katie DeLuca.
Commissioner Nick Macri asked whether the applicant would consider the curb cut in relation to Cos Cob School’s curb cut. He also noted there was an extensive amount of hard surface – sidewalk, concrete and asphalt at the street.
“It would be a great idea if you could explore minimizing all of that hard surface and adding some green area,” Macri said, adding that would enhance the residential feel.
During public comment, Sylvia Gentile, a next door neighbor on Orchard Street, said while the florist is open, she agreed with Ms Alban that currently there is minimal traffic.
“You seem to think there will be 10 cars for 15 houses, which I personally find challenging, considering our neighbors here in three houses that line up to this potential building – we have among us 9 cars.”
(The proposed number of bedrooms in the 15 apartments is 29. Proposed is 25 parking spaces.)
Ms Gentile said in the morning and afternoon, there is a line of cars so long she has to wait three to five minutes just to access her own driveway.
Ms Gentile also said the applicant had already cleared trees from the property resulting in hers and her neighbors’ loss of privacy.
“The amount of wind coming through in storms that we’ve never dealt with before, has impacted us as we’ve lost huge limbs on our tree that’s been on our property longer than our house, which has been there since the 1800s,” she said.
“We’d like to ensure that we have privacy because what we see in that plan is my son’s bedroom is going to overlook a dumpster,” Ms Gentile added. “We were told they were going to put in Rhododendrons.”
Ms Alban said the applicant is aware that the commission will look for screening, and that one of the POCD objectives is to increase screening between multi-family/commercial/institutional use and single family homes.
Naren Santayana, of 6B Orchard Street, next to the proposed development, questioned any assumptions about traffic, given during the pandemic people are working from home and there are minimal cars coming and going from 4 Orchard St.
“Sometimes I’ve been stuck not able to pull into my own driveway,” he said. “That’s me literally at a standstill at the current florist’s driveway. So the additional vehicles or 1.5 times the number of units is definitely a concern.”
Another neighbor, Eve Chin, asked whether the developer had spoken to Cos Cob School about impacts to children.
“My child is in 3rd grade and in the last four years, Cos Cob parents have received letters from the principal, Mr. Schmidt, begging us to be careful when we are walking across the florist parking lot. It’s accidents waiting to happen. I’ve watched children almost get hit by cars, every single year when I walk my children to school.”
“Adding 10, 15 more cars to that area during school hours is very scary to me with a child walking to school,” she added.
Another neighbor, Luigi Barcello, said while the application proposed 1.25 cars per unit, “The reality, we all know, is very different. There isn’t a single home on Orchard with less than 2-3 cars per house. So here we’re looking more in the neighborhood of 30-35 cars, if we’re going to be real.”
“It’s just a fact of life,” he said. “All these cars coming in and out of there, where are they going to park? Fifteen units is just not realistic for that small piece of property.”
Ms Alban explained the state’s affordable housing statute, 8-30g.
“When a town does not have enough affordable housing, someone can develop a piece of property and not follow the Greenwich regulations,” she said. “That means although we may require X amount of parking in our regulations, the application does not have to do that because today Greenwich does not have enough affordable housing. We are supposed to have 10% of our housing be affordable by state law, and we don’t. They can actually disregard our parking standard.”
The commission asked the applicant to return with more information, including an updated traffic analysis that reflects school children’s arrival and dismissal.
In a Zoom press conference Wednesday afternoon Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo and Greenwich Hospital CEO Diane Kelly gave an update on Greenwich’s disappointing Covid-19 numbers.
Camillo said there were 181 new Covid-19 cases since last week, which he described as the biggest increase ever.
“This is kind of predicted, not only because of the second wave and the colder weather, but also with the kids coming back from school in the various states and the gatherings,” Camillo said. “You’re looking at another month and a half of really keeping your guard up, and hopefully we’ll see a little bit of light in January and going towards spring.”
Camillo said despite all the positive news about vaccines and from companies working on them, “We are not there yet, especially with the holidays upon us.”
“We want people to enjoy the holidays,” Camillo added. “We want people to have some sense of normalcy, we just want them to do it safely….Just know that we’re in a danger zone right now, and that everything has to be done with that in mind.”
“You still have to go out and buy food. If you have reservations to go out to a a restaurant, go,” Camillo continued. “Just bring your mask, wash your hands, keep a distance but go. Just be careful.”
Diane Kelly said as of Wednesday Greenwich Hospital has 34 patients in house with three in the ICU on ventilators, though she said they were not new patients. “I have heard that they are showing signs of improvement,” she said.
She said the community numbers, based on Greenwich Hospital tests, were used to signal the shutting down of visitors, was a 7-day average.
“We are up to 11% for positive rates at a 7 day average,” Kelly said.
“On Nov 20, the 7 day average was 9.7%. Before this initial wave, we were hovering around 6-8%. It’s important to remember that not everybody with a positive test doesn’t come into the hospital, and some actually never have symptoms.”
Kelly if residents continue to do their part, that should help turn the tide.
“We’re back in a wave of increase but if we continue to do the things such as washing hands, social distancing, and Wear. Your. Masks. When in doubt, wear your mask please. I’m starting to see a few people in the public without them,” Kelly said.
Ms Kelly spoke briefly about how the vaccine would roll out in Greenwich.
“Yale New Haven Health System, just like every other health system, is working with the state o what our process is and on what vaccines we will receive,” she said, adding a reminder that the vaccine is “a series” which requires two shots.
She said the first people to receive the vaccine will be front line and health care providers.
“There will be a very careful distribution and prioritization,” she added, noting she did not have a confirmed date for the state but had the understanding it would be mid to late December.
Just in time for the holidays, residents at Wilbur Peck can cook their holiday meals in refurbished kitchens with stainless steel appliances, new cabinetry plus a microwave with ventilation, which did not previously exist in any of their kitchens.
All 110 units have have new bathrooms, stained wood flooring and fresh paint.
Wilbur Peck was originally built in 1953 with financing from the US Dept of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Located near downtown Greenwich, residents enjoy all of the resources Greenwich has to offer, including excellent schools, parks and recreation programs, and a wide variety of social services programs for all ages and needs.
Public housing is limited to low-income families and individuals who have US citizenship or eligible immigration status.
Anthony Johnson, Executive Director of “Greenwich Communities” (formerly the Housing Authority), spearheaded this project, with the support of the Board of Commissioners.
“It is important that our residents and their children live with dignity and feel like they fit in,” Johnson said in a release. “We have worked diligently through fiscal responsible asset management of our resources and strong partnerships with state and local agencies to help strengthen family life, foster stable home environments, and promote self-sufficiency.”
With this mission in mind, Greenwich Communities partnered with Family Centers to open a health clinic in the complex a few years ago.
Staffed by nurse practitioners, dentists, licensed social workers and other medical professionals, the clinic provides primary healthcare, dental and mental health services to children and adults living at Wilbur Peck and the surrounding neighborhoods.
While Greenwich Communities is part of the town government and members of its Board of Commissioners are appointed by the Board of Selectmen, the Housing Authority operates independently.
The responsibility for financing improvements and construction falls on the Housing Authority, not the town government.
“The Housing Authority of the Town of Greenwich, unlike most housing authorities, directs and controls its projects without the need for a private development partner. This is possible because of the strength and expertise of our team,” Mr. Johnson said.
Greenwich Communities consists of seven Commissioners, who serve for 5-year terms and are nominated by the Board of Selectmen.
Currently, the board is comprised of Chairman Sam Romeo, Vice-Chairman Abe Curdumi, Vincent De Fina, James Boutelle, Angelo Pucci, and two Tenant Commissioners – Robert Simms Jr and Cathy Landy.
“Thanks to the Commissioners and the dedicated professionals on staff, we provide high-quality service to our residents while administrating a very robust capital program and ensuring financial success, while providing quality, safe and affordable housing now and well into the future,” said Johnson.
Greenwich Communities oversees 837 units in 15 properties, including home-ownership condominiums, scattered-site housing, various developments, and Parsonage Cottage.
Greenwich Communities also administers 343 families through the Section 8 Program. The total number of residents served through all programs is 2,574.
Through resident associations and with the help of professional staff and outside support agencies including CCI, Family Centers, Department of Human Services and the Commission on Aging, residents are encouraged to learn, earn, manage and improve their lives.
For more information, please visit their website, https://greenwichcommunity.org/ or call Greenwich Communities (203) 869-1138
On Tuesday the Riverside Garden Club was recognized by First Selectman Fred Camillo, who congratulated the club on a century of volunteering to beautify the community.
Twenty volunteers from the club turned out on a chilly afternoon, dividing into two groups of ten in order not to exceed guidelines for gatherings during the pandemic.
First Selectman Fred Camillo, Ann Simpson, Sandy Lindh, Beverly Smith, Susan Foster and Terry Lubman. Dec 1, 2020 Photo: Leslie Yager
At the event, Beverly Smith noted the club, among the ten oldest garden clubs in New England, was founded at the tail end of the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1919.
Smith explained that after mailing out 40 postcards to gauge interest in forming a club, eight people attended the first meeting.
“The president was Mrs. Lockwood,” Smith said, noting the namesake of the familiar road in Riverside.
And while some of the club’s minutes disappeared during World War I and World War II, Smith said a massive trove of scrap books and newspaper articles are now in the care of the Greenwich Historical Society.
Smith explained that the club engages in civic projects, and the train station is one of its great achievements.
Bev Smith and Debbie Krautheim at the Riverside train station. Dec 1, 2020 Photo: Leslie Yager
The Club got the commission to beautify the train station in 1920, exactly 100 years ago.
These days, the Club continues to focus its efforts on the train station, planting the North Native Garden in December 2017 and planting three pollinator gardens on the south side in spring of 2018.
They also maintain planters at Hill House and do the flower arrangements at Perrot Library.
Currently the club has 50 members and meets once a month, these days of via Zoom to stay safe during the Covid-19 pandemic. Members do not have to be from Riverside to join.
Every meeting includes a presentation by an expert in a relative area of interest along with both horticulture and design submissions by members. These submissions are judged by professional horticulture experts and prizes are awarded. Meetings also include some time at the front end for members to connect with each other.
“We won’t let Covid-19 dampen our goal of sharing knowledge and the love of gardening and horticulture among our members,” said former president, Amy Butler.
“I love to garden and care deeply about our environment and, as a recent retiree, was looking for a garden club where I could learn more about horticulture and meet people with the same interest as mine,” said Debbie Krautheim. “Joining Riverside Garden Club did that for me even though I live in Glenville.”
Sandy Lindh, Bev Smith, Susan Foster, Terry Lubman and Cindy Lindemeyer. Dec 1, 2020 Photo: Leslie Yager
Some sample programs include:
• October: Creating Different Eco-Gardens with Native Plants • November: Lessons from an Accidental Beekeeper • January: Updating Your Garden
Program information can be found on the club’s newly developed website: riversidectgardenclub.org where there is a link to a video of the club’s September meeting, the first via Zoom – “Easy and Enjoyable Floral Designs From Your Garden” by Cathy Ritch, National Garden Clubs Accredited Judge.
Back at the end of February Greenwich Hospital appeared before the Planning & Zoning Commission with a pre-application for a new Smilow Cancer Center in the area of Lafayette and Lake Ave. At the time the proposal was for a 3-story 80,000 sq ft, building, and the feedback was, in a nutshell, too big.
The idea of pre-application is to seek guidance, thoughts, suggestions and concerns from the commission before the formal process begins.
Since February the hospital has a new CEO, Diane Kelly, who took over from Normal Roth who retired.
About 53% of the 12,750 in-patients treated each year reside in Westchester County, and the remaining 47% are overwhelmingly from Greenwich.
The revised pre-application is now for a 60,000 sq ft building, down from about 80,000 sq ft.
They are also reducing the proposed building by an entire floor.
To build a new Smilow Cancer Center at the corner of Lafayette and Lake Ave by the traffic circle, the applicant would seek a rezoning from RMF to H-2, just as is across the street. Permitted Floor Area Ratio would be amended upwards from the allowed .6 FAR.
The revised building would have a smaller visual presence, but Ms Kelly said they were confident they could still grow as the cancer rate grows, and new specialists are brought in.
David Hardman reminder the applicant the commission’s responsibility is for land use.
“I think you’re asking us to do something that runs counter to one of the key elements of our POCD,” he said. “We need to mindful of our neighborhoods, and any massing that any development would bring.”
He asked if there was any existing underutilized space available or if it was possible to buy adjacent properties to satisfy their square footage.
“The dilemma you’re presenting us is that this is a significant increase,” Mr. Hardman added.
Ms. Kelly said they had looked for existing space and it does not exist.
The hospital has already acquired properties along Lake Ave, and their attorney Tom Heagney said they were unable to acquire more properties north of the hospital on Perryridge.
Commissioner Dennis Yeskey said the presentation was very impressive.
“Having been part of writing the POCD, particularly this section of it, this is the kind of thing we were looking for,” he said. “Thank you. Sometimes we get ill conceived master plans.”
Mr. Yeskey said there are two things important to residents when they come to town. “Early on it’s schooling and the community, and eventually it’s going to be health care,” he said. “If we want residents to stay in this community, this is a very important application.”
The Planning and Zoning commission met Dec 1 via Zoom to hear a revised preliminary application from Greenwich Hospital. Screenshot.
During her presentation, Ms. Kelly said a cancer center would need to be regional to succeed.
“That’s why we look at regional. You have to draw from more than the town you are in if you are going to continue to provide high quality services,” she said.
She said the new Smilow Cancer Center would be part of a “campus” and benefit from “synergies” with Greenwich Hospital and Bendheim.
Smilow has some of the top physicians in the country, and patients would be able to enroll in their trials.
She said there was a plan is to redo an Oncology unit at the hospital with all private rooms, and Smilow physicians to go see their patients when they are in the hospital.
Kelly said the Greenwich service area is a populated area expecting 4,109 new cancer cases a year within 10 years, but that Greenwich residents and those from surrounding communities are currently unable to access specialized care locally.
“When I say if you were trying to get into a lung care specialist in the Greenwich/Yale New Haven Health system, you would not be able to,” she said.
She said with a cancer diagnosis a person has to be ready to devote a year of their live to getting well and getting healthy, and in a patient centered strategy, it’s important that a cancer patient doesn’t have to drive far to get home.
“Driving more than 30 minutes is a hardship,” she said.
Greenwich has a population of about 62,000 residents, which is not enough to house an acute care facility. She said the service area, which includes neighboring towns and parts of Westchester, has a population of 575,000.
She said today, Greenwich Hospital’s predominantly cancer care is for Breast cancer.
“Most of us, if they live to about 56, are more than likely going to need in their lifetime heart and vascular, cardiac care and cancer care. Many people will need both, and the majority of patients will need one or the other,” Kelly said. “Top talent is going to go where people are investing in their care and looking at the newest opportunities to be in trials.”
At the end of the discussion, Ms Alban asked the commissioners if they felt the application struck a balance between the town’s needs per the POCD, retaining character, and not impacting neighborhoods.
“This is a significant structure in a significant part of town,” Mr. Macri said.
Mr. Hardman noted there had been progress on the application.
However, he said, “If Greenwich represents 25% of the catchment area, I don’t think it’s really the right thing for this neighborhood to bear that imposition, from a land use standpoint.”
Last week an online petition about tree trimming and clearing on the north side of the train tracks by Riverside School near the Drinkwater Bridge, gave voice to residents’ objections to extensive tree cutting by Metro North.
Neighbors were disappointed they had not been notified in advance that the trimming would take place.
Metro North say it is their right to perform tree trimming in their right of way, and that trimming under and adjacent to the overhead lines is critical to preventing service disruptions, especially during storms.
Tree trimming on Dec 1 adjacent to Riverside School in the Metro North right of way. Photo: Leslie Yager
Metro North noted their right of way is wider in this particular area – approximately 75’-100’ – whereas their propertyis typically 25’-50’ from the outside track.
Metro North also said the tree trimming in this area was long overdue. They noted over 300 trees blew down during Hurricane Isaias in August, and that the trees being removed are decayed, creating a risk of falling on the tracks or the catenary lines. (The railroad uses a catenary system of overhead wires that supply electricity to the railroad.)
Also, they noted there are instances when trees fall into drainage ditches, which can back them up and cause flooding.
They also noted it is not their policy to reach out to residents before tree trimming, though they do reach out in advance of capital projects that will present a quality of life or noise issue.
In this case, Metro North did connect with the tree warden as well as Riverside School and promised their work would not impact drop off or pick up at the school.
While residents said they believed the trees functioned as a buffer to noise, Metro North said the trees being removed have no vegetation on top and therefore do not provide much of a sound barrier.
This week, as the tree trimming continued, contractors put debris through a wood chipper to be taken away. Specifically, the contractor is tasked with removing trunks, limbs and branches, leaving only stumps as they are not a hazard.
Further, Metro North said they have no plans to landscape the area that has been cleared.
However, according to Metro North, if there are trees with some historical significance – perhaps a 100 or 200 year old tree that is still in good shape – they said they would consider working with a municipality and consider leaving it in place.
Greenwich tree warden Dr. Greg Kramer said on Thursday that Metro-North’s tree trimming project in Riverside has two parts, the first being the area in the right of way by Riverside School that the neighbors were concerned about.
He said it was his understanding that the tree removal will start by Drinkwater and extend as far as the last parking spot at Riverside School.
“They will clear cut everything from the road to the last parking spot because of the liability of the trees closer to the parking lot at Riverside School,” he said.
The second area to be targeted for trimming, Dr. Kramer said, is to the west, in the approach to the Riverside Train Station. He said he planned to work with Metro-North to look selectively at removing trees.
Dr. Kramer said he looked forward to walking that stretch with a Metro-North supervisor and arborist to discuss what will be removed.
“There’s some nice Sassafras that I’d like to keep. There are also some nice Oak trees, and some Elm trees, which would be nice to keep,” he said.
“I asked if we could focus on non-natives removals. There’s some Ailanthus, and they’re the preferred host for the Spotted Lanternfly (an invasive insect indigenous to parts of Southern China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, that has spread to the US), andmy feeling is I’d be happy if Metro North would remove them,” he said.
Ailanthus, also known also as the Tree of Heaven, stinking sumac, Chinese sumac, varnish tree and stink tree, grows quickly and releases a strong, offensive smell, particularly from its flowers.
Dr. Kramer said he hoped Metro-North might consider planting American Holly in the area along Riverside School.
He said American Holly grows to about 30 ft, and, because of its conical form, brings no concern about branches falling.
Further, he said American Holly is “super tough,” and can be even be seen growing in Long Island sand dunes. American Holly, which is native, also provides cover for birds and offers screening.
“I hope they start thinking about replanting,” he said. “It would be nice if they put something back in there. I think they would be a good gesture for everybody as well.”
Greenwich Tree Conservancy director JoAnn Messina said on Wednesday that she was disappointed at the situation.
“The Greenwich Tree Conservancy is very concerned about the clear cutting along the railroad track next to Riverside School,” she said in an email. “The benefits of these trees to school children is immense. We trust the tree warden will control the amount of trees coming down. And with the BOE’s consent, the GTC would be willing to plant trees on school property to assist in buffering this area.”
Earlier in the week First Selectman Fred Camillo said that while the clear cutting that is going on along the train tracks is under and within the jurisdiction of Metro North, “I, along with Tree Warden Dr. Kramer, continue to discuss with them ways to mitigate the negative effects of the action, as well as work with Town officials and the Tree Conservancy to see where we can plant trees and provide screening on Town property for residents.”
Pologeorgis, a new pop-up store that had a soft opening on black Friday last week, sells luxury furs.
Known in Manhattan for their tradition of quality and craftsmanship, they are eager to test the market in Greenwich, especially with holiday shopping under way.
Pologeorgis is a pop up shop at 25 Lewis Street. Dec 3, 2020 Photo: Leslie Yager
Operating in the space formerly occupied by Saint Clair Stationers, Pologeorgis offers a mix of men’s and women’s fur, fur lined and shearling outerwear.
There is also a line of home décor including fur throw blankets and pillows.
There are accessories including slippers, hats, earmuffs and even fur hand sanitizer keychains for holiday gift-giving.
Many of the items are considered investment pieces. Of course, wearing real fur is a choice, but some of the items are made from repurposed fur.
There are both recycled furs and upcycled shearling items. The idea is to be as sustainable and ethical as possible.
With Pologeorgis in its 60th year, Nick Pologeorgis said his father started the business in New York City when he immigrated to the US from Crete.
The real fur and shearling apparel is made by hand. All the linings are hand sewn.
“Our products are sustainable and we are proud that we have a factory in New York City,” said Jenny Roberts, adding that the company employees about 20 people who hand sew linings by hand.
“Not that many people know how to do it,” she added. “The women who sew the linings are from Mexico, South America and Puerto Rico. The craftsmen who make the garments are mostly from Greece.”
Pologeorgis is a pop up shop at 25 Lewis Street. Dec 3, 2020 Photo: Leslie YagerPologeorgis is a pop up shop at 25 Lewis Street. Dec 3, 2020 Photo: Leslie YagerThe Mink Intarsia Throw in Multi at Pologeorgis, 25 Lewis Street. Dec 3, 2020 Photo: Leslie YagerPologeorgis is a pop up shop at 25 Lewis Street. Dec 3, 2020 Photo: Leslie YagerPologeorgis is a pop up shop at 25 Lewis Street. Dec 3, 2020 Photo: Leslie YagerPologeorgis is a pop up shop on Lewis Street. Dec 3, 2020 Photo: Leslie YagerFur Hand Sanitizer Keychain at Pologeorgis on Lewis Street. Dec 3, 2020 Photo: Leslie Yager
OPEN HOUSE this Sunday, Dec 6, from 1:00-3:00 – 37 Riverside Lane, Riverside, CT
37 Riverside Lane, Riverside CT – Click Photo For Details37 Riverside Lane, Riverside CT – Click Photo For Details
Fabulous, bright, shining, up to the minute 2020 total renovation. Beautiful new kitchen, quartz counters, breakfast bar, appliances. Kitchen has access to new terrace and level rear yard. New baths, new portico & roof. Hardwood floors, awesome mechanicals! New dormers giving height to 2nd floor bedroom. First floor has bedroom, bath and either office with latest wiring or 4th bedroom. Oversized yard, land is proposed size- 8320+/- sq. ft. in R-7 zone. Central location, minutes to railroad, schools, shopping. Great ”new” house in lovely riverside neighborhood. Approximate sq.ft. allowed per ” far” calculation is 2995. sq. ft.-also for rent @ $4300 per mo., unfurnished.
There are 58 public open houses this weekend. Please bring a mask and gloves and plan to social distance.
Stefanie Lacoff is a licensed real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services New England Properties in Greenwich, CT. Contact Stefanie for assistance selling your home or purchasing a new one. Text/call: 203-536-9403, email: slacoff@bhhsne.com, stefanielacoff.bhhsneproperties.com
Matt Criscuolo, the owner of Pizza Post went before the Planning & Zoning commission this week with a pre-application to expand his popular restaurant at 522 East Putnam Ave in Cos Cob into the space next door where a hair salon previously operated.
Pizza Post, which has served the community for 48 years, is undergoing renovations after suffering extensive damage from a fire on Oct 20, 2019.
Pizza Post. Dec 3, 2020 Photo: Leslie Yager
Mr. Criscuolo said the expansion would allow him to add 12 seats to the 34 existing seats, and improve flow within the restaurant.
The total square footage would go from 700 sq ft to 1,100 sq ft.
“If you’ve been to Pizza Post in the past, you had to walk through the dining room to get to the counter, and everyone was on top of everybody,” Criscuolo explained. “This would allow us to shift all the seating to one side while keeping people picking up separate. You’d have more space, be more spread out, and we’d be able to have a bathroom that would be handicapped accessible.”
He said it would also allow the restaurant to expand the kitchen, have more clearances, and have more fire safety.
Pizza Post’s Matt and Luca Criscuolo Photo: Karen Sheer
Ms Alban said, while the commission believes the application complies with regulations, the only concern is the parking lot is arranged in an awkward pattern. The lot has about 50 parking spaces.
“It gets tight when you and Gofter (ice cream) are both busy,” she said. “But we think you’re going to be consistent with the regulations because what you’ll add in terms of seating will be compliant.”
However, she asked whether there was anything Mr. Criscuolo could work out with his landlord to improve the parking layout.
Mr. Criscuolo said Pizza Post hasn’t offered delivery in the past, but given the pandemic, he was considering it. He noted if he were to implement delivery, that would ease the parking situation.
Also, he said while he planned to maintain the same number of employees, the salon employees had used approximately five parking space.
Mr. Criscuolo said the offices upstairs, which are currently unoccupied, technically have their own assigned parking spaces on the side of the building, but by the time Pizza Post is busy at night, office workers have gone home for the day.
“You’re all set as far as we’re concerned,” Ms. Alban said. “Good luck finishing the restoration.”
The applicant will return with a final site plan application for approval.
Greenwich Chamber of Commerce invites all businesses – retailers, restaurants and service providers – in town to participate in its 2020 Holiday Decorating Contest where all participants are winners.
In the spirit of this unique year, The Chamber will publish on its social media sites all holiday pictures submitted.
The Chamber asks organizations to take pictures throughout December of their businesses with festive indoor or outdoor decorations or of their staff in holiday garb and send them to mokane@greenwichchamber.com.
The Chamber reminds all shoppers to support local businesses during this holiday season and beyond.
Greenwich Country Day School and NBA superstar Donovan Mitchell, from the GCDS class of 2012, announced the largest single pledge of support to the school in its history.
Donovan and his family (mother Nicole and sister Jordan—GCDS Class of 2017) have pledged $12,000,000 to help the school achieve ambitious goals.
Mitchell, an NBA slam dunk champion, runner-up in Rookie of the Year balloting, and a 2019-2020 NBA All-Star, attended Greenwich Country Day from third to ninth grade (the school has since added a high school).
A star athlete, Donovan was also an exceptional musician and as Head of School Adam Rohdie describes, “as great an athlete as he was, Donovan was an even nicer young man. He is a man of the highest character and he has lived his life embodying the Country Day creed of TIGER PRIDE which asks our students to be kind, empathetic, respectful, thoughtful, and to act with the highest levels of integrity.”
Mitchell’s mother Nicole was a Lower Elementary school teacher at GCDS from 2007 until just last year. Rohdie describes her as one of the warmest and most caring educators he has
worked with. Generations of Country Day’s youngest children have been impacted by her kindness.
Mitchell, a champion of education and of providing access to the best possible education for children from all backgrounds and from under-served neighborhoods, is excited to create the Mitchell Family Scholarship Fund. This program will help GCDS remain a leader in providing need-based aid for students in grades Nursery through 12. Additionally, Donovan and Nicole are pleased to announce the Nicole Mitchell Faculty Support Fund. This monetary award will be made yearly at the opening faculty meeting and will be given to a teacher in each division (4) in the school who have been at GCDS for at least 3 years, and have demonstrated the “passion, enthusiasm, optimism, and love for children always shown by Nicole Mitchell.”
“These two funds perfectly highlight Donovan’s understanding of the power of a great education,” said Head of School Adam Rohdie. “This gift will allow GCDS to reach an even broader cross-section of students and it allows us to celebrate those teachers that make the magic at our school every day.”
Finally, this gift will also allow GCDS to build the D.O.N.! The Determination Over Negativity Mitchell Family Athletic Center will be a state-of-the-art gymnasium and will house one full court (NCAA regulation court) with full stands on both sides. When the curtain is dropped it will house two full courts running north to south. This building will also provide the space for the entire campus to gather for school-wide assemblies and will be a focal point for our Old Church Road Campus.
“I know how lucky I have been to have the foundation of my education happen here at Country Day,” said Donovan, adding, “This school has shaped who I am in so many ways, and I feel blessed to be able to give back and make the Country Day experience available for more kids especially those from inner-city neighborhoods or with backgrounds like mine. Over the past few years on my NBA journey, I have made it my mission to champion the causes of equity, social justice, and equal opportunity, especially in education. There is no better school anywhere to carry forward this mission and my family is excited to make this happen.”
A 6-foot-3 guard from the University of Louisville, Donovan Mitchell took the NBA by storm during his rookie season. Mitchell led all rookies in scoring at 20.5 points per game, and he was named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for December, January, February, and March/April. Mitchell scored at least 25 points 27 times and dropped 41 points in a home win over the Pelicans on December 1.
The Denver Nuggets selected Mitchell with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft—and then immediately traded him to the Jazz. He won the 2018 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, and he finished second in Rookie of the Year voting.
Mitchell was born on September 7, 1996 in Westchester County, New York. His mother, Nicole, was a Prekindergarten teacher at Greenwich Country Day School, and his father, Donovan Sr., works as director of player relations for the New York Mets. Mitchell played baseball and basketball growing up, but chose to pursue basketball at Louisville, where he was named First Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference as a sophomore.
During his Thursday press conference CT Governor Ned Lamont said the State’s 7.13% positivity rate was the highest it had been since March. On Friday it decreased to 5.52%.
The good news was that Pfizer and Moderna’s Covid-19 vaccines were almost ready.
The Governor said though vaccine timeline was subject to change, and the State just got notice Pfizer might have delays due to the supply chain issues, he anticipated that a week from Dec 3 the FDA would do its review, and hopefully approvals of the Pfizer vaccine would take 48-72 hours. He said shipments of about 31,000 doses of the vaccine to CT would tentatively take place on Dec 14.
The Moderna vaccine has a separate approval process, and is scheduled for Dec 18 for FDA review, and shipments of about 63,000 doses to arrive in CT on Dec 21.
“Merry Christmas,” Lamont said.
As for priorities for the vaccine, he said first would be 204,000 healthcare workers; 22,000 nursing home residents and 6,000 medical first responders. He said the numbers were based on an anticipated 80% take up.
“These are the folks most likely to suffer complications. These are the folks who most likely suffer fatalities, and these are the folks most likely to go into the hospital. Not only hopefully we’re saving lives, but we’re keeping these folks out of the hospitals and that adds to capacity.”
Governor Lamont gave a timeline for the initial phases of the vaccine rollout.
Starting with the week of Dec 14th, 31,000 first doses (the vaccines require two doses) will be administered, and then ramp up, with 94,000 doses administered the week of Dec 21 (both Pfizer and Moderna). By Jan 25, he anticipates 380,000 doses will have been administered.
Phase 1a. Vaccines will go to 202,000 healthcare workers, 22,000 nursing home residents (not staff), and 6,000 Medical first responders.
Second doses are anticipated to begin Jan 4th and by Jan 25th, 212,000 people will have had both doses.
Phase 1b: Mid Jan to Late May. Critical workforce (people from food services workers to daycare workers, teachers, and people who can’t telecommute), other congregate settings (group homes, correctional facilities), Adults 65+ and those at high risk under 65.
Phase 1c: Early June: People under 18 and the remainder of people over 18.
Phase 1A of vaccines. First to receive vaccine include 202,000 healthcare workers, 22,000 nursing home residents, and 6,000 Medical first responders, (“Fire and police to the extent to which they’re driving ambulances.”)
Revised CDC recommendations for Quarantine
Lamont shared the updated CDC quarantine guidelines. He said although 14 days is recommended for high risk situations, but if no symptoms the recommended time is shortened to 10 days, or just 7 days if the person has no symptoms and a has negative PCR test.
Asked what will life be like after June, Dr. Deirdre Gifford, Dept of Social Services Commissioner warned,”Don’t get rid of your masks yet. We don’t anticipate full vaccination, even according to this to this schedule. We have to wait and see if there is widespread adoption.”
Who Pays?
When the vaccine is available and when the person’s population group is up, vaccinators will be able to bill insurance companies for the vaccine itself and administration costs.
People can choose which vaccine they get, Pfizer or Moderna, but the second dose has to be from the same maker because they can’t be mixed. the injections.
Confidentiality
Lamont addressed concerns that the State might create a protocol to exclude the immigrant community who might be concerned their information would make its way to ICE.
“This is confidential to the degree to which ICE, nobody else will be notified of any of this,” Lamont said. “I don’t want to do anything to discourage anybody – documented or undocumented to come in and make sure you can get this vaccination safely and confidentially.”
Expanded Unemployment Benefits in CT
Later in the week, on Friday, Governor Ned Lamont signed an executive order (9P) expanding unemployment benefits for Connecticut workers who previously were ineligible for the federal Lost Wages Assistance program.
Kurt said LWA had a drawback – to qualify unemployed workers had to have a minimum benefit of at least $100 a week. This disqualified 38,000 workers, many who were low wage earners.
Disaster relief funds were used to supplement unemployment benefits for more than 160,000 people in CT who are unemployed due to Covid-10.
Lamont said the extra $100 weekly benefit will help get funds in the hands of residents who need it, and into the economy.
“Who are these 38,000 people earning less than $100 a week? Theyu’re often single parents, single mom, maybe working two or three jobs around the minimum wage. Maybe at fast food, at a restaurant, maybe in home healthcare. She loses one or two of those extra jobs, she’s down to under $100 a week, and she was frozen out of any unemployment support, and that was wrong.”
“This pandemic is wreaking havoc with our health and wreaking havic with family budgets, and small business,” Lamont said. “We have to maximize support for working families in the state as we wait for the federal government to figure out what they’re going to do.”
Greenwich Covid Update
On Friday Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo announced the total number of positive cases in town increased 104 from 1,656 on Wednesday to 1,760.
He said there were 38 reporting case delays from the state due to the overwhelming number of cases, according Greenwich Health Director Caroline Baisley.
In one week – Friday, Nov 27 to Friday, Dec 4 – Greenwich had an increase of active 224 cases. Of that increase, the age group 41 to 55 has the most with 55 cases, followed by age groups 11 to 20 (38 cases) and 21 to 30 (39 cases).
Greenwich’s death toll increased by three to 58 this week.
As of Friday, Greenwich Hospital was treating 38 patients with COVID-19, with 3 on ventilators in the ICU. That is an increase of 14 patients since Wednesday.
Greenwich High School’s bleachers were demolished on Tuesday.
Students were thrilled to see the demolition, and so were people with long memories. The latter possibly more so.
The demolition launches phase 1a of the upgrades to Cardinal stadium, which will include new home side bleachers, team room underneath, press box/elevator, and toilet facilities.
“This project has been so long in the making that it’s truly exciting to see progress in the form of the removal of the previously condemned bleachers,” said BOE chair Peter Bernstein Tuesday night, adding, “I look forward to the completion of the project and a time when the GHS students can be back in the stadium together.”
Remains of the Cardinal stadium bleachers. Dec 8, 2020Demolished bleachers at dusk on Dec 8, 2020 Photo: Leslie YagerBleachers coming down. Dec 8, 2020 Contributed photoBleachers coming down. Dec 8, 2020 Contributed photoBleachers are demolished. Dec 8, 2020 Contributed photo
GHS neighbor Ashley Cole, who lives on Hillside Rd said, “We’ve been waiting a long time for the improvements to infrastructure at GHS. The student body and the community at large deserve a campus that is safe, beautiful, sustainable and functional.”
“We look forward to working with the Board of Education to ensure that GHS maintains a campus that also reflects and protects the unique character and excellence of Greenwich, and takes into account the residential zoning in which it resides,” she added.
Start of the demolition of the GHS bleachers. Dec 8, 2020 Contributed photoDemolition in progress at Cardinal stadium. photo: Dan Watson
Ah, if only the bleachers could speak.
But we do know the bleachers were moved by helicopter from the south side of campus in the 1970s to their current position after their original location at the “new” GHS, which opened in 1970, was constantly wet. Students at the time made jokes about wearing flippers during outdoor PE class.
The field was under water at the bleachers’ original location at GHS. Photo: GHS Compass yearbook 1970. The BOE accepted a gift of $120K Gift from Greenwich Athletic Foundation to shore up GHS Bleachers. July 2019
The bleachers were condemned and off limits as of April 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager
Fast forward in time.
But both the district’s engineer and the Town Building Department eventually concurred that the bleachers needed to be brought up to current building codes.
Fortunately, the bleachers benefited from remedial work paid for by the Greenwich Athletic Foundation in 2019. They were power washed and shored up with scaffolding. The GAF also paid to rent the scaffolding for several months.
“As much as we excited for new bleachers at Cardinal Stadium, it’s bitter sweet to see the old ones comes down,” said Rich Fulton of the Greenwich Athletic Foundation on Tuesday, adding, “Love them or loathe them, they allowed us to witness countless sporting events and graduation ceremonies.”
Fulton said the Greenwich Athletic Foundation was thrilled to see ‘Project Big Red’ finally begin with the demolition of the old bleachers.
Like Bernstein, Fulton said the GAF was hopeful that the spring sports season and class of 2021 graduation will occur in Cardinal Stadium with families seated on the new bleachers.
So do we!
Rust was visible in 2018 on the stadium bleachers. Photo: Leslie YagerHome side bleachers full of spectators for graduation in 2017. Photo: Leslie YagerIn November 2018 the bleachers were power washed. That removed green mold but not the rust. Photo: Leslie Yager Remains of the home side bleachers at GHS. Dec 8, 2020Remains of the home side bleachers at GHS. Dec 8, 2020
Stamford Sailfish Aquatic Club, only in its fourth year, is celebrating recent recognition by USA Swimming for the achievements of its swimmers. The team has earned a place in the Top 200 Team list in the U.S.
These achievements come within the same year our team was acknowledged by the American Swim Coaches Association as a Top 100 Age Group Team.
Also, In November, despite 9 months of abnormal practices during the 2020 pandemic, swimmer Connor Morikawa, qualified for U.S. Olympic Trials. This achievement shows a relentless commitment and dedication to his sport.
Connor Morikawa (age 19) competed at the Toyota U.S. Open in Richmond, VA in November where he qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials in the 100m Breaststroke, setting a new CT and Resident record with a time of 1:01.38. Previous to joining the Sailfish, Connor swam under Coach Connie at YMCA Greenwich Marlins. He now attends Georgetown University, on-line, due to the pandemic. Olympic Trials will be held in June 2021.
During the first four years as a team, many Sailfish swimmers have exceeded their goals and gained a place among the nations’ top swimmers.
• USA Swimming #1 ranked 11 year old girl in 50 LCM Breaststroke and #2 ranking in the 100 LCM Breaststroke – Bryce Gold
• Eastern Zone LCM Championship 11-12 girls 2x winner in 50 and 100 Breaststroke – Bryce Gold
• Nine National Top Ten Times 11-12 girls – Bryce Gold
• Nationally-ranked (7th place) Boys 15-16 200 Medley Relay, setting new CT and Resident record – Alex Ye, Nicholas Speares, Liam Flaherty, David Ponce
• Nationally-ranked (8th place) Boys 15-16 400 Medley Relay, setting a new CT and Resident record – Alex Ye, Nicholas Speares, Liam Flaherty, David Ponce
Swimming has proven to be a safe activity during the pandemic, and has provided the swimmers a means for safe social and healthy activity. Coach Connie’s focus is on individual athlete development together with improved stroke technique. Personal improvement helps build an athletes’ self esteem which has a positive influence on the swimmers’ lives and academics. The team practices at the Boys & Girls Club facility on the Post Road in Stamford. Coach Connie Wu can be reached at weiw29@hotmail.com.
