And the courage to take a stand
Across this country and right here in Greenwich, people are exhausted and stressed by a relentless barrage of national news. Every day seems to bring a new reason to be anxious, angry, or afraid and it has taken a toll on our sense of community. What many of us long for is a return to calm, common ground, and mutual respect, to neighborliness and good will.
Last week, that call was answered by Christ Church, which hosted a nonpartisan, interfaith candlelight vigil for peace. All were welcome to come together for a quiet, reflective moment at a very loud and unsettling time, to grieve, reflect, and remind each other that we are still bound by shared values: compassion, dignity, and care for one another.
Rector Marek Zabriskie welcomed attendees with these words:
“Tonight is not about politics, but community, love, and unity. Many of us wrestle with doubt, fear, anger, and grief. If you’re feeling any of that tonight, you are not alone. There’s a big community here for you. We are here for you.”
Diane Kretschmann shared why being there mattered more than personal plans:
“That night was a milestone birthday for my husband, Paul, and we’d made dinner reservations to celebrate. But when we heard about the vigil, we knew being there mattered more. We yearn for calm and hope, and we’re looking for it anywhere it’s offered.”
Another attendee, JoAnna Foyle, reflected:
“With everything happening in Minneapolis, this was a way to show up for Renée Good, Alex Pretti, and the community withstanding that violence… It was a place to be sad without feeling alone, without everything being politicized.”
Selectwoman Rachel Khanna, also at the vigil, noted:
“The vigil was a moving reminder of the importance of coming together as a community and standing against injustice.”
Peace is essential, but so is moral clarity
Yet even as we seek peace, it must be joined with courage and a stand for justice and the rule of law. Tragically, the recent killings of Good and Pretti in Minneapolis by ICE agents have raised profound questions about the accountability of those in power.
Voices across the political spectrum have sounded the alarm about the country’s direction. Americans are deeply disturbed, calling for transparency, reform, and civil liberties, beseeching civic leaders to step forward with clarity, empathy, and a commitment to justice, instead of being silent — which only fuels fear and division.
As Greenwich Democrats, we believe most people want peace, fairness, and a government that protects its citizens. While we seek calm and relief, we cannot afford to ignore warning signs. We must act in ways that honor both our shared humanity and our shared ideals, which are not mutually exclusive. Choosing empathy over outrage and community over division are signs of strength. We agree that people are hungry for this kind of leadership, and we intend to keep striving to answer that call.
Neighborhood voices: Pemberwick Glenville
For more than a decade, residents in the Pemberwick and Glenville areas of Greenwich have advocated for meaningful improvements to traffic safety, sidewalks, and pedestrian infrastructure. After years of persistence, some Glenville projects are finally underway, in part due to Rachel Khanna’s efforts to secure funding while she was state representative. Most notably, radar speed signs have been installed on Caroline Place — a long-awaited measure aimed at curbing dangerous speeding and improving safety for both drivers and pedestrians.
Leadership of the Pemberwick Glenville Association (PGA) continues to identify walkability as a top priority, closely linked to the need for expanded and well-maintained sidewalks throughout the town.
Flood mitigation is another critical focus for the neighborhood. With climate change increasing the frequency of heavy rainfall and development continuing across town, association members stress the importance of examining the full picture — including impervious surfaces, new construction, stormwater systems, and the impact of existing dams. Residents believe lasting solutions will require comprehensive planning rather than isolated fixes.
Neighbors have also expressed concern about what they describe as “piecemeal planning,” which they feel can lead to missed opportunities and unintended consequences. While the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development provides helpful guidance, some residents question whether it goes far enough in offering a coordinated, long-term vision for infrastructure, growth, and environmental resilience.
Finally, neighborhood leaders point to a growing challenge insustaining volunteer engagement. Many residents are balancing two-income households, full-time work, and family responsibilities, pressures that have intensified since the pandemic. As a result, much of the community advocacy continues to fall to the same dedicated individuals, which limits assistance to groups like the PGA. Increasingly, concerns are directed to town staff or Representative Town Meeting members for support and action.
Editor’s Note: This article launches an occasional series highlighting key concerns in Greenwich neighborhoods. Installments will focus on local priorities, ongoing challenges, and opportunities for progress.
What we’re reading
Kathleen Parker, longtime conservative columnist in the Washington Post, notes Americans now know what they are against and beseeches readers to take a stand.
David French, evangelical Christian, former Judge Advocate General officer, and New York Times columnist, invites readers to imagine a scenario in which what is happening now is taken to its logical end to control the outcome of the 2026 midterm election, warning that this is not a drill.
Action Calendar
February. Get insured.
People who qualify for Connecticut financial assistance now can purchase health insurance during a new open enrollment period that started this month. For assistance, contact Access Health CT to find a certified broker. Governor Lamont established the program to replace the Affordable Care Act Enhanced Premium Tax Credits which expired in 2025.
February 9. Get help.
Selectwoman Rachel Khanna is hosting CT Attorney General William Tong for a conversation about elder justice. Issues range from age-based discrimination in the workplace to scams and frauds, elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The Attorney General’s Office is here to help. The event will take place at 10:00 a.m. at Greenwich Town Hall in the Cone Room (second floor). 101 Field Point Road.
February 25. Get connected.
Are you a Democrat in the town of Greenwich? Then join your tribe for our regular monthly meeting, 7:30–9 p.m. in the Cone Room (second floor), Greenwich Town Hall, 101 Field Point Road.
February is Black History Month. We join others around our town, state, and country to recognize and celebrate important achievements of Black Americans.
| Volume 4, Number 32 • February 5, 2026 |
| Paid for by the Greenwich Democratic Town Committee. |
| Greenwich Democratic Town Committee P.O. Box 126 Greenwich, CT 06836 |