The completed Pollinator Pathway Mural as seen on East Putnam Ave., Greenwich Nov. 12, 2021
Greetings Greenwich friends and neighbors.
Greenwich recognized as a sustainability leader
Congratulations are in order for our Environmental Affairs Department that worked various Town departments and organizations for the Sustainable CT award. For the second time, The Town of Greenwich has received the Silver Award, the highest designation possible.
According to Sustainable CT, Greenwich demonstrated significant achievements in at least 11 sustainability impact areas, ranging from community building, thriving local economies and vibrant arts and culture to clean transportation and diverse housing. In addition, certified municipalities addressed issues of belonging, equity, diversity, and inclusion when implementing sustainability actions.
Greenwich earned the highest score - 1,025 points - of the 23 Towns that earned the achievement. I am proud of the Town’s continuing efforts in reducing our carbon footprint and being a leader in recycling, that is evidenced by expanded food and textile recycling programs. Kudos to Environmental Affairs Director Pat Sesto and Conservation Resource Manager Sarah Coccaro for their efforts in achieving this award.
Statement on Greenwich Community Sailing
This week our community was taken by surprise by the Greenwich Community Sailing’s announcement that it is closing. Our Parks & Recreation Department has worked closely with the sailing school owner over the years to provide residents with affordable boating and kayaking options. It is my hope that those services will continue next summer.
We continue to respond to the hundreds of emails, phone calls and text messages from concerned residents. Please take the time to read the statement from our Parks & Recreation Department which provides details on the situation – details that were not included in the school owner’s announcement.
COVID-19 update
Greenwich Hospital began the day with three (3) COVID positive patients, one (1) of whom is in the Intensive Care Unit. Two of the patients are not vaccinated.
Throughout Yale New Haven Health, we are caring for a total of 62 COVID positive patients.
Thankfully, there isn’t a change in the number of resident who died from the disease. It remains at 96 residents.
Here are the latest vaccination rates for our residents. The vaccination rates continue to increase incrementally week to week. The one age category that did not have any increase is 25- to 44-years-old.
Here are the latest full vaccination rates as reported by the state Department of Health and Human Services, as of November 10:
- Age 12 – 17: 87.52% of 5,449 residents
- Age 18 – 24: 81.20% of 4,037 residents
- Age 25 – 44: 66.61% of 13,580 residents
- Age 45 – 64: 81.45% of 18,950 residents
- Age 65 +: 91.92% of 10,466 residents *
*As a side note, 100% of residents age 65 and older have initiated the vaccination process, according to the state.
To find a vaccination site near you, please use this link.
Yale New Haven Health (YNHHS) is administering booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for long-term care residents and those 65 and older, 18 to 64 with underlying conditions, and 18 and older at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure. All vaccinations are by appointment only and to find out which booster is available and to make an appointment, log onto the YNHHS website: www.ynhhs.org/covidvaccine.
Walk or run with turkeys
It’s not too early to register for the 11th annual Greenwich Alliance for Education Turkey Trot. There will be a 5K fun run and a 1 mile walk on Saturday, November 27. The start and finish is at the Arch Street Teen Center. Early registration guarantees lower admission prices and a tee shirt. For more information, log onto the Alliance’s website which can be found here.
Leaf collection
This service by the Department of Public Works is for properties on public streets only in building zones that are a half-acre or smaller. Weather permitting, the leaf collection program will include two pickups in November through mid-December. Schedule details can be found here or by calling the 24-hour leaf collection hotline: 203-618-7698.
Lend your hands for parks cleanup
Friends of the Montgomery Pinetum, Pomerance and Tuchman Parks will partner with Greenwich Green & Clean to give the beloved woodland some love on Saturday, November 13. Litter will be collected, invasive plants will be removed and native shrubs will be planted. Interested volunteers can meet 9 a.m. to noon at either the Orchard Street entrance to Pomerance or on the east side of the park at the Greenwich Botanical Center. Volunteers will be manning tables with handouts, buckets and tools. Bring sturdy shoes, gloves and a water bottle.
Contact SustainGreenwich@gmail.com to register and with any questions.
Guidance for filing FEMA assistance applications
There is still time to register for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for residents who suffered damage from Hurricane Ida. To begin the process online, please use this link. Assistance also is available by calling the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., seven days a week. The TTY number is 1-800-462-7585.
Here is a link with information on how the application process works. For information on the Individuals and Households assistance programs which provide financial help or direct services to people with needs that aren’t met through other means, please use this link.
Here is the link to frequently asked questions. To help provide as much information as possible, please take the time to review the Disaster Resource and Recovery Guide that was organized by the office of U.S. Rep. Jim Himes.
Pedestrian safety
With Eastern Standard Time upon us, a reminder for both pedestrians and motorists. As I drive around Town in late afternoon and early evening darkness, I am concerned about the number of pedestrians not using sidewalks and wearing dark clothing. If you are walking, please use the sidewalks whenever possible and please wear light or reflective clothing or use a flashlight to ensure motorists are aware of your presence.
Winter Coat Drive Nov. 15 - Dec. 1, 2021
The Greenwich Department of Human Services and Brunswick School are asking you to give the gift of warmth.
Donations can be dropped off at: Greenwich Town Hall Lobby, First Republic Bank, GEMS Headquarters, or call for pick-up 203-622-3800 |
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Stay safe and be well.
Best,
Fred