Greetings Greenwich friends and neighbors.
It was a harbinger of spring this week to see flocks of robins on the lawns of Town Hall. Perhaps they didn’t hear that Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow = six more weeks of winter weather. Let’s hope Phil’s wrong.
But in the meantime, with the forecast of sleet, freezing rain and snow for this afternoon and evening, and with an abundance of care for the health and safety of both our employees and residents, I made the decision to close Town Hall early today.
Nearly all services that would have been available in person, were available online as many of our dedicated employees worked remotely.
The National Weather Service is predicting that wind chills will drop into the single digits overnight this weekend. Should you lose power, please remember that the Margenot Atrium of the Public Safety Complex, 11 Bruce Place, is available 24/7 as a warming station. You do need to wear a mask when inside the facility.
Central Middle School
It was disturbing to learn of the structural issues at Central Middle School that led to the closing of the building today.
I can assure you that the Town will work closely with the Board of Education to ensure the safety of our students and teachers. I know that Dr. Toni Jones and her team are working to develop a plan to move forward.
As this is an evolving situation, especially during the budget review process, I will share any new information and updates as they become available.
I urge everyone to remain calm and be patient as the facts become clear and a plan becomes defined as we work collaboratively to resolve the situation.
Donors needed … desperately
I was pleased to participate in a press conference this week with the Metro-New York Red Cross, Greenwich Hospital and Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz to increase public awareness of the critical need for blood donations.
The American Red Cross is seeking blood donors who will help replenish the blood supply. Locally and regionally, there is a one-day supply – much less than the typical five-day supply.
- Feb. 7: 7:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m., Greenwich Blood Donation Center, 99 Indian Field Road.
- Feb. 7: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., YMCA of Greenwich, 50 East Putnam Avenue.
- Feb. 8: 7:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m., Greenwich Blood Donation Center, 99 Indian Field Road.
- Feb. 9: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Belle Haven Club, 100 Harbor Drive.
- Feb. 14: 7:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m., Greenwich Blood Donation Center, 99 Indian Field Road.
- Feb. 15: 7:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m., Greenwich Blood Donation Center, 99 Indian Field Road.
To schedule an appointment, log on to redcrossblood.org
Did You Know?
Our Department of Human Services wants you to know that there are multiple resources available to you if you are experiencing issues related to mental health and substance use. Below, please find several links to local and regional resources.
Greenwich Together:
Greenwich C.A.R.E.:
COVID updates
There appears to be a promising downward trend in the number of COVID cases in our schools and of those being treated at Greenwich Hospital.
As of today, February 4, Greenwich Hospital was treating 18 COVID-positive patients. That is down from 31 patients a week ago. The COVID hospitalization rate in the Yale New Haven Health system was 235 patients today. A week ago, the system-wide patient count was 314.
Greenwich Public Schools, as of today, reports a total of 41 cases among students and staff. A week ago there were 37 cases.
As of February 1, the total number of resident COVID cases confirmed among Town residents (since the pandemic began in March 2020) increased to 10,959 with 195 active cases being tracked by Health Department staff. That number represents a drop of 216 cases being tracked by the Health Department.
As of February 1, the state Department of Health and Human Services reported that 116 residents have died since the beginning of the pandemic. Information on ages and vaccination status of the victims is unavailable.
It is encouraging am that the number of cases continues to decrease. If we remain vigilant in wearing a face mask when social distancing isn’t possible and to receive a vaccine or booster, I will expect that it will be very possible to consider easing some restrictions soon.
Here are the latest full vaccination rates as reported by the state Department of Health and Human Services, as of February 2:
- Age 5 – 11: 47.64 % of 6,470 residents
- Age 12 – 17: 94.53 % of 5,449 residents
- Age 18 – 24: 95.96 % of 4,037 residents
- Age 25 – 44: 76.22 % of 13,580 residents
- Age 45 – 64: 85.53 % of 18,950 residents
- Age 65 +: 95.98 % of 10,466 residents
Yale New Haven Health (YNHHS) continues to administer booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in Fairfield County. All vaccinations are by appointment only. To find out which booster is available and to make an appointment, log onto the YNHHS website: www.ynhhs.org/covidvaccine. Information on testing – which is also by appointment only - can be found here.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health is offering mobile vaccine clinics. Information on locations can be found here.
It’s that taxing time of year
The AARP Foundation is once again offering free tax preparation for seniors in Town. The IRS-trained volunteers are ready to help with state and federal tax returns. Appointments are available to drop off your documents here at Town Hall.
For more information on how to make an appointment and when appointments are available, please use this link.
Don’t forget …
A friendly reminder to prominently display your entrance permit tag when visiting Holly Hill Resource Recovery Facility. In the near future, visitors without the entrance permit will be required to purchase a $10 day pass, as per the Town’s new approved ordinance to use the facility. To learn more and to purchase a Hilly Hill Resource Recovery Facility entrance permit, click HERE.
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Stay safe and warm this weekend.
All the best,
Fred