Photo credit: Barb Heins.
The flag of Mexico was raised at Town Hall in commemoration of Mexican Independence Day on Friday, September 16.
Greetings Greenwich friends and neighbors.
As summer begins to wind down and the days get shorter, there certainly isn’t a shortage of meetings and events in Town.
I want to give you an update from Tuesday evening’s meeting with Westchester County Executive George Latimer and his staff regarding their updating of the Westchester Airport master plan. In addressing concerns from our residents, Mr. Latimer explained that the Federal Aviation Administration dictates flight routes and patterns, not the county. The county can appeal and advocate for adjustments in flight routes, however, the FAA makes the final decision.
The gentlemen’s agreement on the informal moratorium on post-midnight flights does not prohibit flights from landing during overnight hours. Mr. Latimer explained that more than 80 percent of the flights arriving and departing Westchester are private or corporate aircraft. Commercial flights comprise about 20 percent of all flights.
It is our understanding the county does not plan to expand the airport as land for expansion is not available. I want to thank Pastor Glenn Harvison who graciously allowed the use of the Harvest Time Church hall for the forum. I will keep you informed of any new information as it becomes available.
Earlier this week I had the pleasure of participating in the ribbon cutting for the much-anticipated opening of the new Neighbor to Neighbor food pantry. Years in the making, this facility on the Christ Church Greenwich campus is a testament to our community’s commitment to help those who need assistance with food and clothing.
It was heartwarming to witness the community appreciation for the efforts of Barbara Nolan who led Community Centers Inc. for more than five decades. CCI renamed its facility at 2 St. Roch Place as Barbara’s House where young people and those with special needs can find assistance through a variety of programs. Barbara began her service as CCI’s executive director in 1955 and has remained committed to the Greenwich community ever since.
This morning we hosted the sixth annual raising of the flag of Mexico in commemoration of Mexican Independence Day. This week also marked the start of Hispanic Heritage Month through October 15.
Blood drives for sickle cell awareness month
The Greenwich chapter of the American Red Cross will be holding four blood drives in conjunction with the September sickle cell awareness month. According to the Red Cross, a diverse blood supply has a lifesaving impact for those living with the disease. In fact, 1 in 3 African American blood donors is a match for people with sickle cell.
To donate, visit RedCrossBlood.org to download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App; call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.
Upcoming blood drives:
September 20: 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Greenwich Blood Donation Center, 99 Indian Field Road.
September 23: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Greenwich Hospital, 5 Perryridge Road.
September 26: 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Greenwich Blood Donation Center, 99 Indian Field Road.
September 27: 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Greenwich Blood Donation Center, 99 Indian Field Road
DPW projects update = Old Greenwich detours
Sound Beach Avenue bridge
The Sound Beach Avenue Bridge will be closed this Monday, September 19, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. due to bridge culvert installation work. Vehicles will be detoured to Harding Road and Forest Avenue. Please allow extra time when traveling, follow posted detour signage, and obey police directions. This work is part of a project to replace the deteriorating bridge used by approximately 14,500 vehicles daily. For more information and to view the detour route, please click HERE.
Old Greenwich force main replacement
Final trench restoration work for the Old Greenwich Common Force Main Replacement Project also will begin Monday, September 19, which can impact traffic with temporary road closures and detours.
Comprised of six work zones, the project will start in Work Zone 6 (the traffic circle where Arch Street, West End Avenue, and Summit Road meet). A second crew will begin working in Work Zone 1 (Oval Avenue near the Riverside train station) on Tuesday, September 20. Work is scheduled to occur between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Depending on weather and unforeseen conditions, this work is anticipated to take approximately four weeks to complete. Please note that due to work being performed by Aquarion Water Company and Connecticut Natural Gas within the limits of this project, final curb-to-curb paving will not occur until sometime in 2023 after all utility work is finished. To learn about the Old Greenwich Common Force Main Replacement Project, please click HERE.
Do you have building experience?
My fellow Selectwomen and I are seeking residents who are interested in applying for nomination to the Old Greenwich school building committee. We have a specific need for an individual with experience in construction. Interested candidates may apply via this link that includes details on the nomination process. The deadline to submit your nomination form is next Friday, September 23. The Board and I will interview candidates and decide who will be nominated for appointment by the Representative Town Meeting.
COVID Update
Greenwich Hospital reported that as of this morning, Sept. 16, there were 9 COVID-positive patients being treated, with one patient in the ICU. A total of 146 patients are being treated in the Yale New Haven Health system. According to the state, as of September 14, the total number of Greenwich COVID cases (since the pandemic began in March 2020) is 15,768. The number of resident deaths attributed to COVID remains at 126.
Family Centers also offers weekly vaccine and testing at Wilbur Peck Court, and the Connecticut Department of Health provides public mobile vaccine clinics.
Upcoming events
Beach cleanup
Greenwich Green & Clean along with several community partners are participating in the International Coastal Cleanup Day at Greenwich Point Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow, September 17. Check in at the tables at the parking lot across from the first concession stand. Beach cards will not be needed for volunteers. Participants are encouraged to bring gloves and buckets. However, they will be available on site. For more information and to pre-register, please use this link.
Adopt-a-Dog Sunday
Adopt-A-Dog’s annual “Puttin’ on the Dog” event is set for Sunday, September 18, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. The event will feature demonstrations, competitions, vendors and food trucks for both humans and canines. Puttin’ on the Dog is Adopt-A-Dog’s annual festival that doubles as a fundraiser and an adoption event for several area shelters. More information can be found here.
National voter registration day
If you aren’t a registered voter, you have the opportunity to register and be eligible to participate in the November 8 election cycle. The Greenwich League of Women Voters is participating in the National Voter Registration Day for the sixth year on Tuesday, September 20. To check whether you are registered to vote, please use this link. To register to vote, please use this link. If you’re already registered and need an absentee ballot, please use this link. For more information on the LWV voter registration day, please click here.
Robotics coming to Town
The Town continues to be at the forefront of sustainability and ecologically sound practices. To that end, the Town is now using a robotic mower at Town Hall to eliminate direct emissions that are commonly associated with traditional gas-powered engines, as well as the noise. I’ll be joining members of the Conservation Commission, the Parks & Recreation Department, Quiet Yards Greenwich, the Tree Conservancy and the Sustainability Committee for a ribbon cutting at noon Wednesday, September 21, in front of Town Hall.
Greenwich Food System Forum
The Foodshed Network and Conservation Commission announce “Seasonality: A Celebration of Taste, Place and Connection”, the fourth panel of the Greenwich Food System Forum (GFSF). The forum will take place via Zoom at 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 21. The panel will feature speakers Dawn Spears, director of the Northeast Indigenous Arts Alliance (NIAA) and co-founder of Narragansett Food Sovereignty Initiative; David Standridge, executive chef at The Shipwright’s Daughter; Natalie Love Cruz, Afro-Latina culinary professional, food justice advocate and writer; and Matthew Rose, lead cheese monger at Fairfield-Greenwich Cheese Company. Ali Ghiorse, founder of The Foodshed Network, will moderate the discussion. For more information email ali@thefoodshednetwork.org, or use this link.
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Dog of the week
Elst is a five-month-old terrier-Labrador mix that is a rescue from Tennessee. He is good with other dogs and children. For more information on him, please use this link for Adopt-a-Dog.
Stay safe and wishing you all the best.
Fred