Happy Birthday America!
I hope that you will join me this July 4th as we celebrate America’s founding 245 years ago.
The annual Raise the Flag celebration returns to the steps of Town Hall at 9 a.m. Sunday – rain or shine. Every year, hundreds of residents celebrate Independence Day with the parade of flags representing the 13 Colonies, followed by a salute to the patriots and veterans, and descendants of Greenwich’s early settlers. The Sound Beach Community Band will perform and the Good Citizen Awards will be announced.
Regarding our other Fourth of July celebrations, I met this afternoon with key department leadership regarding this weekend’s planned fireworks displays.
As of 3:30 p.m. today, meteorologists were predicting an 80% chance of rain on Saturday evening. Given that prediction, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the Saturday, July 3 fireworks show at Greenwich Point.
I am happy that we already planned to have a fireworks show at Greenwich Point on Monday, July 5. Now the Monday show will be a longer show scheduled to begin about 9:10 p.m. Details on entry to Greenwich Point for Monday as well as parking regulations, can be found here.
I realize that many who made plans to visit the Point on Saturday will be disappointed. This was the prudent decision to make – just as several other communities have done - to ensure the safety of our residents as well as our employees who staff the park during the event.
Please remember that the only fireworks considered legal in Connecticut are sparklers. I ask that you abide by the law and be mindful of neighbors and pets who can be easily frightened by the illegal pyrotechnics.
Ferry service update
The Islander II Ferry arrived at the shipyard and is awaiting repair. The Town has been working in conjunction with the Coast Guard and shipyard personnel to develop a schedule for the repair and inspection.
Ferry service to Great Captain Island is suspended until further notice. The ‘cruise to nowhere’ scheduled for July 7 is cancelled. The Parks & Recreation Department will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.
Perrot Memorial Library update
Starting Tuesday, July 6, Perrot Memorial Library will resume the pre-pandemic normal hours of operation. The curbside contact-free pick-up service is discontinued. Library visitors are encouraged to wear a face mask while in the building.
The hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Greenwich Parks and Recreation announces its first public photo contest
In honor of Parks and Recreation month, this July, the Department of Parks and Recreation is having a photo contest – For the Love of Parks and Recreation! The Department is seeking submissions that express what you love most about our public parks.
The pandemic has highlighted the immense value of our public spaces resulting in an increase in demand. As a result, our team has worked diligently to safely maintain these areas throughout. We encourage participation and are looking forward to seeing what areas mean the most to people through their lens.
The contest will run through July 30, with the winners announced early August. Amateur participants are encouraged to enter. All entries must be submitted by Friday, July 30, 2021 no later than 1 p.m. No late entries will be accepted. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Give us your best shot!
For more information, please visit our website:
https://www.greenwichct.gov/1932/Photo-Contest
New Holly Hill permits needed
This week marked the start of the new permit season for all residents who want to use the Holly Hill Resource Recovery Facility. For a $25 fee, residential permit holders can dispose municipal solid waste (MSW), recycling, organic waste and bulky waste. The fastest way to apply for a permit is online and can be found on the Public Works section of the greenwichct.gov website.
Department of Public Works is now on social media
Did you know that the Department of Public Works is now on social media? Feel free to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@greenwichpublicworks) to receive important information, updates and the latest initiatives from the department.
Paving season is here
Summer is officially here and the Town of Greenwich’s Annual Paving Program starts the week of July 5. This year at least 67 roads will be paved. Working east to west, the project will start in Old Greenwich and is projected to be finish in Byram. To learn more about this project, including which roads will be paved, please click here.
Please be sure to stay vigilant for signage and detours posted by the Highway Division. For the safety of the workers, please stay alert, slow down, and select alternative routes. Follow @GreenwichPublicWorks on social media for most recent updates.
COVID-19 update
Health Department Director Caroline Baisley reports there are 12 active cases in Town today, for a total of 5,139 residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 since the pandemic began in March 2020. That is 10 cases more than a week ago. Greenwich Hospital isn’t treating any COVID patients.
The number of residents who have died from COVID remains at 89. As of June 30, 61.14 percent or 38,419 residents have been fully vaccinated.
Vaccine and testing information:
For homebound residents, the Family Health Division of the Health Department can provide assistance. Residents should contact their physician to request that a doctor’s order for a vaccine shot is forwarded to the Health Department. Doctors can contact the Family Health Division by calling 203-622-6495.
Here is a list of available vaccine providers:
- Yale New Haven Health:
Sign up online here, or call 1-833-275-9644. - Stamford Health:
Sign-up online here, or call 203-276-7300. - CVS Health (Limited Locations):
Sign up online here, or call 1-800-679-9691.
Testing information:
- Greenwich Hospital and the Yale New Haven Health system can be found here.
- Community Health Center can be found here.
- Family Centers at Wilbur Peck Court can be found here.
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Lastly, I want to address some complaints we have received about placement of lawn signs and the theft of them. Please be respectful of other people’s property, especially when signs are placed on private property. If you believe a sign is illegally placed or poses a safety hazard, please call the non-emergency police line: 203-622-8001.
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Stay safe, all the best and God bless America.
Fred
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