Special Report
In a welcome display of collaboration and civic commitment, the Hamill Rink Task Force voted unanimously last evening to recommend a “modified flip” for the new rink at Morlot Park.
The decision follows nine months of work and a comprehensive review of professional cost estimates for the three finalist locations, as well as an environmental impact study of the Island Beach and Horseneck parking lots. That study identified potential soil contamination and significant costs related to flood elevation and parking logistics at both parking lot sites.
The modified flip incorporates local neighborhood feedback and is superior to the “build-in-place” alternative. Key advantages include:
- The preservation of ice time during construction
- The elimination of costs for a temporary rink
- Superior long-term energy efficiency
The project, with a preliminary estimated cost of $35 million, will be formally presented to the First Selectman’s office in January. It also demonstrates how stakeholders from the hockey community, to Byram neighbors, to veterans can come together for the benefit of all.
Public service as a family affair
Households bond while serving on the RTM together
For some Greenwich residents, volunteering in the town legislature is not just a civic duty, it’s family time. Across districts and generations, members of the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) are discovering that serving alongside a parent, child, or spouse brings an added sense of purpose to local government and strengthens the town they call home.
Sam and Chloe Rosenfeld:
juggling work, family, and the RTM
For Sam Rosenfeld and his spouse, Chloe, serving together on the RTM reflects shared values and real-world logistics. Parents of a toddler, both have full-time careers that often require travel, but they make do. “I can’t imagine being on the RTM without Chloe,” Sam says. “She and I bring different perspectives to the role, but we both care deeply about Greenwich schools, pedestrian safety, and future-proofing our infrastructure and town services.”
Sam says if Zoom participation weren’t an option, it would be nearly impossible to balance careers, childcare, and RTM service. The Rosenfelds think the RTM could become even more accessible to young families if it used AI to transcribe meetings. “I rely on these technologies to stay connected and analyze conversations,” Sam explains. “I believe it would make the RTM more connected and efficient.”
Janet Stone McGuigan and James McGuigan: encouraging the next generation
In District 6, Janet Stone McGuigan and son James bring an intergenerational perspective to the RTM. For James, a recent University of Rochester graduate in environmental science, public service offered a chance to move beyond frustration and into action. “After continually hearing my peers express dissatisfaction with government, I realized I had an opportunity to address problems faced by my community, and not just read about them in the news,” he says.
Janet, who returns to the RTM after serving two terms on the Greenwich Board of Selectmen, encouraged James to run because younger residents are underrepresented. “It’s in everyone’s interest to make sure they can and want to live in Greenwich,” she explains.
Jen Bird and Odysseas Kostas: working toward common priorities
Longtime residents Jen Bird and Odysseas Kostas, above, found their way to public service through a shared desire to give to a community that’s given so much to them. The couple, with backgrounds in law, finance, and medicine, established beloved local hub Athena Books in Old Greenwich. They were inspired to join the RTM after witnessing the Board of Estimate and Taxation’s recent struggles to come together on long-term and public school budgets. Jen and Odysseas believe that despite political differences, Greenwich residents share common priorities, and that collaboration remains essential to the town’s success.
The Adams-Szabo family: passing the torch
For Carina Adams-Szabo, above, the path to the RTM began by watching her sister, Amelia Szabo. After serving a term as the youngest member of the RTM, Amelia moved on to law school, but not before instilling a valuable lesson: young people have a place in local government.
Inspired by her sister’s example, Carina stepped forward in the next election. Joining Carina will be her mother, Patricia Adams, making their RTM experience truly a family affair. Carina describes it as her sister “passing the torch” and as a powerful way to show younger residents that they belong in civic life.
Selin and Hale Bayram: a shared journey
That sense of shared purpose also defines the experience of Selin Bayram and her mother, Hale, below. First elected as write-in candidates in 2023 and re-elected in 2025, the two serve together in District 3. Hale jokes that working together has a bit of a “Gilmore Girls” vibe, but the pride she feels runs deep.
As an immigrant to the United States, Hale finds special meaning in watching her daughter represent the community they call home. “We are giving back to our community through meaningful volunteer activities that have a positive impact on everybody’s life,” says Hale.
Strengthening Greenwich together
Together, these families remind us that civic engagement is learned, modeled, and strengthened through example. When parents inspire children, partners serve side by side, and generations work together, the RTM becomes more than a legislative body, it becomes a reflection of Greenwich’s civic spirit. Their stories offer a powerful reminder that democracy begins close to home, and that public service remains one of the most meaningful ways families can invest in the future of their community.
Thoughtful giving, local impact
Greenwich launches first sustainable gift guide
Greenwich is celebrating the launch of its first sustainable holiday gift guide, offering residents a thoughtful way to shop for the holidays and year-round, while minimizing waste and supporting local businesses.
Produced by Waste Free Greenwich in partnership with the Greenwich Sustainability Committee and the Greenwich Conservation Commission, the guide encourages shoppers to rethink traditional gift-giving. It highlights gifts centered on experiences, consumables, secondhand finds, and sustainably made goods that are both meaningful and environmentally responsible.
Many of the featured ideas come from local businesses, artisans, and service providers, making it easy to keep holiday spending within the community. From memberships and classes to locally made treats and reusable items, the guide shows that great gifts can be creative, personal, and low-waste.
The guide is part of the broader “Merry, Bright & Waste Free Holidays” initiative, which offers practical tips for reducing waste during the busy holiday season, from gift wrapping and decorating to food planning and entertaining.
WHAT WE’RE READING
CT pension funds post major gains
A strong performance by CT’s pension funds for retired teachers and state workers is giving the state a buffer against volatility in the nation’s economy. “No doubt about it,” said Governor Lamont. “Today Connecticut’s fiscal health is the strongest it has been in decades.” Read the article here.
Take the resident survey
Share your thoughts on how well the town is doing in various areas from road maintenance to health services. The biennial survey is open to all Greenwich residents at GreenwichSurvey.com or via the town’s website. The survey is completely anonymous.
Action calendar
January 8. Caucus.
Plan to join fellow Democrats in your district for our biennial election of Democratic Town Committee members. Any registered Democrat can self-nominate and/or vote. This is what Democracy looks like! More details posted here. 7:30 p.m.
| Volume 4, Number 26 • December 18, 2025 |
| Paid for by the Greenwich Democratic Town Committee. |
| Greenwich Democratic Town Committee P.O. Box 126 Greenwich, CT 06836 |