News Flash

Photo courtesy of School Transportation News.

Greetings Greenwich friends and neighbors.

It’s that time of year as summer winds down and the days get shorter. It’s back to school. Greenwich Public Schools are gradually returning to the classroom next week, with the first full day of classes scheduled for Thursday, September 1.

I want to take this opportunity to remind drivers that it’s against the law to pass a school bus that is stopped and has engaged the flashing lights and stop signs. Connecticut state “stop arm” law requires drivers to (1) stop their vehicles at least 10 feet from the front or rear of a school bus that is displaying its flashing red signal lights and (2) remain there until the bus no longer displays the lights.

Any person who violates this law faces a $475 fine for the first offense. For each subsequent offense, a violator faces a fine of $500 to $1,000, up to 30 days in jail, or both. More details on this law may be found here.

And with the first day of school approaching, Greenwich Police are reminding parents to speak with their children about pedestrian safety.

Here are the helpful tips for both parents and children from GPD:

• Safety is always best in numbers. Advise your child to walk to and from school or the playground with a buddy.
• If your child feels that he or she is being followed and they have a cell phone, they should immediately call 911.
• Never talk to a stranger. Strangers with bad intentions try to trick kids into helping them. Kids should never talk or answer their questions. If they do answer, it should be something along the lines of, "Go ask an adult," or, "I do not know, I am only a kid."
• Teach your child to think on their feet. They need to keep their distance from strangers and not let someone get close enough that they could grab or touch them.
• Advise them to run or walk quickly towards an area where they see people, such as a shopping center, a home with someone outside, a busy roadway, or a park where they see people. They should never walk into an alley or location that further isolates them.
• Know your child’s walking/riding path to and from school. Determine a path together that is visible, even if it’s a slightly longer route home.
• Go directly to your destination. Pay attention to where you are going. Talking or texting on your cell phone is a good way to pass the time while you're walking, but it can distract you from noticing what's going on around you.
• Be aware of your surroundings - who is behind you and in front of you. Are there occupied cars parked along your route?
• If someone approaches you or tries to get your attention, get away immediately. Cross the street or walk the other way.

Sound Beach Community Band concert

The Sound Beach Community Band will give a concert in Binney Park at 7 p.m.  Sunday, August 28. The theme will be "A Night at the Movies" and will feature familiar favorites for all ages with music ranging from "Bridge Over the River Kwai" and "James Bond" to "Harry Potter" and "The Avengers". These concerts have been a summer tradition in Greenwich since 1955. So bring a picnic dinner and come enjoy the show.
 

Don’t miss the rescheduled displays at Greenwich Point Park & Binney Pars on Saturday, September 3.  Binney Park will begin at approximately 7:55 p.m. and Greenwich Point at 8:20 p.m.

The rain date is Sunday, September 4 at Greenwich Point Park with one show starting at 8 p.m. that includes fireworks from both shows.  Visit the Parks & Recreation website for more info. 

Adopt-a-dog Pet of the Week

Meet Goliad who is waiting for a forever home! This super cute and energetic boy is very social and playful, and he'd love to join an experienced home (he's currently in his teething/chewing phase so he'd definitely benefit from puppy training classes). He will do well with another playful dog, but has not been introduced to cats, although he would likely be just fine with them! Visit Petfinder to find out more about Goliad! 

COVID Update

Greenwich Hospital reported that as of Thursday, August 25, there were 13 COVID-positive patients being treated.  A total of 132 patients are being treated in the Yale New Haven Health system. According to the state, as of August 25, the total number of Greenwich COVID cases (since the pandemic began in March 2020) increased to 15,588, an increase of 70 cases from a week ago. The number of residents whose deaths have been attributed to COVID remains at 126. 

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.

                                                               ***

Stay safe and wishing you all the best.

Fred