Photo credit: Barb Heins.
Greetings Greenwich friends and neighbors.
The Independence Day holiday is a time for celebration of our country’s birth 246 years ago. The changes made to our planned celebration this weekend were not made lightly.
The Department of Parks and Recreation held a joint meeting this morning with the Office of the First Selectman, Greenwich Police, Greenwich Fire, and the Town’s Emergency Manager to review the weather forecast for tomorrow and make a determination about the fireworks shows.
After careful review and extensive consideration, the Town of Greenwich regretfully announces that both fireworks shows for Greenwich Point and Binney Park, scheduled for Saturday July 2nd, are cancelled. The weather forecast for tomorrow indicates poor conditions throughout the day, with the potential for severe thunderstorms. Significant logistics are required for the fireworks shows, including the shipping and delivery of the explosive materials, which requires a decision to be made in advance.
The company that the Town contracts with to shoot both fireworks shows was unable to offer the Town a consecutive rain date shoot. As an alternative, the Department of Parks and Recreation is working with the Town’s fireworks vendors to secure an end of summer fireworks celebration on Labor Day weekend. More information about the Labor Day weekend show will be announced in the coming weeks. Further details can be found here.
There is a silver lining with the change of plans. The band, Good for Sunday, comprised of Greenwich School students, will give a free concert Sunday, July 3 by the south concession at Greenwich Point. From 4 to 6:30 p.m., the group will perform a variety of music. Band spokesman Jack Iozzo said the group is excited to be a part of a Town holiday celebration.
Family farm visit
It was a pleasure to take a ride up to the Northwest Corner this week to visit with Kathy and John Augustin who continue the tradition of operating the family farm at 1332 King Street.
Augustine’s Farm was founded by John’s parents back in 1952 and is the last remaining original working farm in Town. They are planting a wide variety of produce including heirloom tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, squash, potatoes, and corn, which they expect will be ready to harvest in mid-July. Kathy also tends to her chickens for fresh eggs and beehives for fresh honey.
I am looking forward to returning during the summer and fall seasons to support this local business. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
While up in the northwest corner, it was great to see the progress that is being made on the construction of Greenwich Emergency Medical Service Station 4, next door to the Griff Golf Course – both just across the road from the farm.
Update on Island Beach holiday weekend ferry service
The Department of Parks and Recreation announces a change to the posted ferry schedule to Island Beach for the July 4th weekend. Due to mechanical issues with the Indian Harbor Ferry, there will only be one ferry with hourly service (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.) to Island Beach for the holiday weekend Saturday, July 2 through Monday, July 4. Ferry service to Great Captain Island will not be affected and will operate on its regular posted schedule.
Sound Beach Avenue bridge update
The Sound Beach Avenue Bridge officially reopened to two-way vehicular traffic today – just in time for the holiday weekend beach traffic. The project is on schedule and is slated to be completed this fall. While the road has reopened, expect alternating one-way traffic and potential periodic road closures. Pedestrians will continue to be routed through Binney Park during construction and should follow posted detour signs. For more information, please visit the dedicated project webpage on the Town’s website.
Celebrating America’s birthday
The annual Raise the Flag celebration returns to the steps of Town Hall on Monday, July 4 at 9 a.m. Every year, 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 Greenwich Police Department Honor Guard will conduct ceremonial rifle fire. Following the ceremony, there will be cake to be enjoyed by all.
GEMS Paramedic Anthony Vontobel, Brittany Piro, baby Benjamin, Dean Piro with his father Matt, and EMT Scott Baxter.
Thank you to our GEMS heroes
On Wednesday afternoon, it was gratifying to host the Greenwich Emergency Medical Service (GEMS) crew and the Piro family of Cos Cob. Brittany and Matt Piro met the GEMS crew who responded to their medical emergency on May 13 are credited with saving the lives of both Brittany and their now six-week-old son Benjamin.
Paramedic Anthony Vontobel and EMT Scott Baxter were able to meet Benjamin during the ceremony. I presented Certificates of Special Recognition for the lifesaving efforts of Anthony, Scott and EMT Stephanie Busani, who is a member of the GEMS Explorer Program.
Everyday GEMS staff responds to critical health emergency calls and its their training and dedication that has resulted in Greenwich being named a Heart Safe Community.
Details of their heartwarming story can be found here.
Harbor master candidates sought
Greenwich Harbor Management Commission Chairman Bernard Armstrong has announced that the Commission is accepting applications from any individual interested in serving as the State-appointed Harbor Master for the Town of Greenwich.
Position will involve working with various members of the community to ensure initiatives of the Harbor Management Commission are carried out, and all state statutes are followed. Requires knowledge of marine vessel operation. Small state stipend provided. For full job description or to submit a cover letter and resume, please contact Laura Estevez of the Greenwich Harbor Management Commission, Town Hall, 101 Field Point Road, Greenwich, CT 06830, or email: moorings@greenwichct.org
The previous harbor master, Sean Jordan, has resigned for personal reasons.
The Harbor Master is appointed by the Governor for a term of three years. The remuneration is $525 a year. The application deadline is July 18, 2022.
Chairman Armstrong said, “Greenwich Harbor is an exciting place to work. It is 28 miles of the wealthiest coastline in the world, not only economically but in personalities as well.”
New Holly Hill permits required
Today (July 1) marks the first day that visitors must use the new Holly Hill Resource Recovery Facility entrance permit. To help our staff, please prominently display the permit hangtag in your vehicle for your entire visit. For additional information and to purchase the permit, click HERE.
School building committee deadline set
Residents who are interested in applying for nomination to the Old Greenwich and Julian Curtiss school building committees, may do so via this link that includes details on the nomination process. The deadline to submit your nomination form is July 15. My fellow Selectwomen and I will be holding special Board meetings in July and August to interview candidates. Successful candidates will be nominated for appointment by the Representative Town Meeting.
Register fire, burglar alarms
Today also is the deadline to pay the $20 annual fire and burglar alarm system registration fee. The fee can be paid using this link. Tardy registration fee increases to $70 beginning August 1. All alarm devices, including self-installed devices purchased online, calling for a response from either the Police or Fire Department must be registered with the Alarm Administrator. Details can be found here.
Taxes are due
The first installment of the 2021 Grand List for Real Estate is due today, July 1 and will be considered delinquent if not paid by August 1. All personal property and motor vehicle taxes also are due in full on July 1 and will be considered delinquent after August 1. If your bank is escrowing your real estate taxes, you will not receive a tax bill.
Bills may be viewed and paid at the Tax Collectors webpage on www.greenwichct.org.
The Tax Collector’s office is open to the public to pay in person Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You also may choose to mail in your payment to PO Box 3002 Greenwich, CT. 06836-3002 or pay via the online system at www.greenwichct.org
If you have any questions, call at 203-622-7891 or email taxcollector@greenwichct.org
COVID Update
Today Greenwich Hospital reported it was treating 8 COVID-19 patients. Last week there were 3 patients being treated for COVID. The Yale-New Haven Health system has a total of 88 patients.
According to the state, as of June 29, the total number of Greenwich COVID cases (since the pandemic began in March 2020) is 14,536. The number of residents whose deaths have been attributed to COVID increased by 1 to 125.
Vaccine info
Log onto the Yale New Haven Health website to find a booster vaccine site.
Family Centers is offering weekday vaccine and testing clinics at 111 Wilbur Peck Court. Details can be found here.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health is offering mobile vaccine clinics. Information on locations can be found here.
Scouts aid to Ukraine
Since the February 24 invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, millions of lives have been affected. Lifesaving medical supplies and other humanitarian needs are difficult to come by in Ukraine to help war victims.
Plast, the Ukrainian Scouting Organization founded in 1911 in Ukraine, has a worldwide membership on six continents, including 10,000 members in Ukraine and 2,600 members in the United States and has been able to leverage its global network to distribute aid quickly and effectively to heavily impacted areas.
Since the start of the invasion, Plast USA has delivered humanitarian relief for Ukrainian victims including thousands of tourniquets, dozens of maternal fetal medical aid and 59,000 Pocket First Aid Kits.
For those interested in providing assistance you may send your contact information to ScoutsforUkraine@plast.usa.org or donate directly online to aid@plastusa.org. Plast USA is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization that is non-political and interdenominational.
Kids Bike Safety Clinic
Avid cyclist and resident Bob D’Angelo, who serves on our Bike Safety Task Force, will be conducting a "Kids Bike Safety Clinic" on Monday, July 18, at 6 p.m. at Cos Cob Library. Registration for the class that’s geared towards 8 to 12-year-old cyclists, may be made by using the Greenwich Library website calendar via this link.
Holiday reminder
In observance of the Independence Day holiday, Town Hall departments – including the Holly Hill Resource Recovery Facility, libraries, banks and state and federal offices are closed Monday, July 4. Town facilities will reopen for regular business operations on Tuesday, July 5.
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Stay safe and wishing you all the best this holiday weekend.
Fred