Photo credit: Greenwich Fire Department.
 Retiring Greenwich firefighters Lt. Charles Teichert and Firefighters Victor Eimicke and Jack Gordon. |  Lt. Patrick “Zinger” Gordiski with his son Firefighter Matt Gordiski. |
Greetings Greenwich friends and neighbors.
Congratulations and best wishes to four of Greenwich’s bravest.
On Thursday, Lt. Charles Teichert (31 years of service), and Firefighters Victor Eimicke (36 years of service) and Jack Gordon (27 years of service) worked their last shifts.
And today, Lt. Patrick “Zinger” Gordiski worked his last shift, capping a 50-year career with Greenwich Fire. I was pleased to be able to present Zinger with a proclamation, celebrating a fire service record that I am sure will stand the test of time. Joining him on his last shift yesterday was his son, Firefighter Matt Gordiski.
In total, these firefighters have devoted a collective 144 years of service to our Town. We are grateful for their dedication and wish them well as they begin a new chapter in life.
Library book objections
It was brought to my attention this week that some residents are offended by a very graphic young adult book available at our library. I personally found this book to be disgusting. I reached out to Library Director Barbara Omerod-Glynn who explained the process to object to materials available at the Library.
The Library’s Collection Development Policy defines the protocols to be followed if anyone finds an item objectionable. The policy can be found on page 8 of the policy which can be found via this link. My office does not oversee operations at the Library which are under the jurisdiction of the Library’s Board of Trustees.
Pet vaccine clinic
On Sunday, July 31, Greenwich Animal Control will host a low-cost rabies vaccine clinic at its headquarters at 393 North Street. Hours are 10 a.m. to noon. The cost is $20 per vaccine per pet (cash or check) for a one-year or a three-year vaccine. Three-year vaccines are available with written proof of prior vaccination.
Vaccines will be administered by Dr. Paige Boivin of Rippowam Animal Hospital in Stamford. Dogs must be leashed and cats in carriers. All pets must be healthy. Please call 203-622-8299 with any questions. The clinic is limited to Greenwich residents and town employees.
Primary information – some polling locations changed
On August 9 there will be a Democratic Primary and a Republican Primary. Only registered Democrats and registered Republicans may vote in their respective primaries. Unaffiliated voters are not eligible to vote in the primaries.
All voters can vote either by absentee ballot or in person. Polling places will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Registrars of Voters recently sent a card to all registered voters indicating voters' voting districts and state assembly districts. Some voters state assembly districts have changed as a result of redistricting which occurs every 10 years.
For the primary elections only, four polling places have changed.
- District 3 will vote at the Hamilton Avenue School cafeteria.
- Districts 7 and 7A will vote at Greenwich Library lower level.
- District 8 will vote at the Cos Cob School gym.
- Districts 11 and 11A will vote at the Parkway School cafeteria.
Eligible voters may request an absentee ballot. Information on how to obtain a ballot from the Town Clerk’s office may be found here.
Taxes are due
The deadline to pay the first installment of the 2021 Grand List for Real Estate is Monday, August 1. Bills will be considered delinquent if not paid by then. All personal property and motor vehicle taxes also are due August 1.
Bills may be viewed and paid at the Tax Collectors webpage on www.greenwichct.org.
The Tax Collector’s office is open 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 choose to mail your payment, it is advisable to have postal employees hand-stamp the postmark to ensure proper payment credit.
If you have any questions, call at 203-622-7891 or email taxcollector@greenwichct.org
COVID Update
According to the state, as of July 29, the total number of Greenwich COVID cases (since the pandemic began in March 2020) increased to 15,266, an increase of 185 cases from a week ago. The number of residents whose deaths have been attributed to COVID remains at 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.
Photo contest deadline
The Parks & Recreation Department’s 2nd annual photo contest to celebrate National Parks & Recreation Month closes this weekend. While you’re out enjoying one of our parks, we hope you’ll capture a photo that defines what you enjoy so much. Deadline is this Sunday, July 31. Contest details can be found here.
Upcoming events
Sound Beach Community Band concert
The Sound Beach Community Band will give a free concert in Binney Park at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 31. The theme will be "the Magic of Disney" and feature something for all ages including favorites from "When You Wish Upon a Star" to the recent hit, "Encanto." These concerts have been a summer tradition in Greenwich since 1955. Bring a picnic dinner and come enjoy the show.
Blood drive Monday
The Red Cross is back at Temple Sholom and they will again be serving the ever-popular deviled eggs and brie in the canteen. The drive will be held on Monday, August 1 from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m.at Temple Sholom, 300 East Putnam Ave.
Donors are encouraged to make an appointment at www.RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. On the day of your appointment, please take the Rapid Pass (www.RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass) to get you through the process quicker.
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Stay safe and cool, and wishing you all the best.
Fred