E-Newsletter

May 12, 2023





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Dear Neighbor,

 

Considering the current state of perceived and real division in our country, it is always an honor to work collaboratively with both sides of the house chamber to get unanimous support for a bill. As Chair of the Commerce Committee, I provided a brief description of the bill and am pleased to have helped usher this legislation through the chamber.

 

This bill would help to address the workforce shortage by examining previously overlooked labor markets to expand the size of our workforce. Connecticut does not have a robust and well-established pipeline to increase the workforce population using legal immigration to fill workforce needs. However, neighboring states like Massachusetts have already been using the H1-B cap exempt visa process to promote economic growth through their Global Entrepreneur in Residence Program.

 

By working part-time at the University of Massachusetts, entrepreneurs can obtain a cap-exempt H-1B visa anytime during the year. The program gives an entrepreneur time to master the skills necessary to start up a company and document their talent and ability, so that they can eventually obtain a visa independent of the University of Massachusetts. GEIR graduates in Massachusetts have successfully filed capped H-1B petitions in the national lottery. The GEIR program helps entrepreneurs carefully plan their long-term residency strategy with most entrepreneurs spending 9-18 months in GEIR before graduating. The GEIR program from 2015-2019 has resulted in 74% of GEIR Entrepreneurs still active in the US with their companies totaling 1,136 employees and have raised $712 million in venture capital.

 

I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for coming together in support of HB 6585 that is a positive step in increasing our state’s workforce diversity and may prove to be a successful public private partnership for universities and businesses. It is time to look towards creative solutions to fill the workforce gap and increase opportunities for individuals who would like to live and work in Connecticut.

Below I share some highlights including Capitol Update, Local Events and more.

In this e-newsletter:

  • Capitol Update
  • Local Events and News

We passed a number of bills. Learn more about them below:



From 1647 to 1697, several individuals in Connecticut, primarily women, were hanged for suspicions of witchcraft. Similar to the Salem trials, the accusations against the victims were often unfounded and based in misogyny. With House Joint Resolution 34, we recognize the trauma caused by the witchcraft trials in the CT colonial courts and absolve those accused and convicted of "witchcraft" and "familiarities with the devil."

 

Putting elections in the hands of the Constitutional office that manages elections makes sense. This bill designates the Secretary of the State as the state official responsible for certifying presidential electors.

 

A small but mighty change for taxpayers to allow charge card, debit card or electronic payment of municipal taxes or penalties.

 

CT's restrictive voting system is codified in the state constitution. Today's vote is to get a resolution to amend the constitution to allow no-excuse absentee ballots on the ballot in 2024.

 

Endometriosis is an under-studied disease impacting 1-in-10 women in CT.  The House passed HB6672 to create the Endometriosis Data and Biorepository Program and associated endometriosis research lab.

 

HB6590 makes it easier for families to get access to the childcare they need.

 

Unregulated high-THC products have been legally sold in CT outside of our strict cannabis marketplace. This practice will end under new legislation approved by the House.    

 

The House approved pro-consumer legislation in HB 6614…Gas stations that offer cash discounts should offer the same discount if you pay with a debit card.

 

HB6877 strengthens the process and execution of risk protection orders (RPOs) to keep weapons out of the hands of those at imminent risk of injuring themselves or someone else.

 

In HB6638, we modernize and improve consistency in CT's discrimination statutes.

 

The House approved HB 6642 because schools need help keeping kids safe and navigating federal Title IX


 



The House of Representatives will be in session on:



Tuesday, May 16 

Wednesday, May 17

Thursday, May 18
CTN
Local Events Activities and News

Form

Greenwich/Stamford locals - the Garden Club of Old Greenwich will be hosting their annual plant sale THIS SATURDAY from 9 am to 1 pm at First Congregational Church of Greenwich on the front lawn. Stop by to get your flowers, and support a local organization!

Garden Club of Old Greenwich



 

Tod's Point Sailing School will open for the 2023 Season on Saturday, May 27th Offering:

 

Sailboat Rentals

Kayak and Paddle Board Rentals

Private Lessons - Please Call to Schedule

New Apparel for 2023

 

Scheduled Classes Begin:

 

Adult Sailing - June 3rd

Junior Sailing - June 12th

 

Weekday morning Women’s Sailing Courses beginning

June 12th and June 13th

 

  

Save the dates for upcoming programs, such as the Jim Fixx Memorial Day Races on Monday, May 29 and Fireworks on Saturday, July 1. Our summer concerts at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park will be held on Wednesday evenings in July and August. View the Summer Concert Series selection. The Sandblast sandcastle competition is scheduled for Saturday, July 8.

 
Jim Fixx Memorial Day 5K Race and Kids Half Mile Fun Run
This is the 59th running of the Greenwich Memorial Day races. Online registration is open for both the 5K Race and Kids Half Mile Fun Run on Monday, May 29.

 

The 5K race starts on Greenwich Avenue at the intersection of East Elm Street. The course runs through streets in Central Greenwich, including Bruce Park, and finishes on the track by Havemeyer Field behind Town Hall.

 

The kids half mile run starts and finishes on the track following the 5K race. For additional details on fees, awards, number pick-up and more, download the flyer.

 

Skatepark Activities

 

As of April 1, hours of operation are weekdays 3:30 - 7 p.m.; and Saturdays, Sundays, and public school holidays 12:30 - 7 p.m. Download information on hours and fees. For skatepark rules and details on having a birthday party, visit the skatepark webpage.



Online registration for Summer Ramp Camps and Clinics began April 1. Clinics will help young skaters learn park etiquette and basic techniques such as drop-ins and ollies in a safe and fun atmosphere.

 
Tennis & Swim Lessons

 

Registration for summer activities is open online. We are offering Tennis Clinic Instruction for youth as young as 4 years old through adult. Clinics are held four days per week. There are eight one-week sessions at Bruce Park tennis courts. Online reservations for tennis courts began April 10.

 

Group Swim Lessons will be held at the Town pool at Byram Park. Lessons are held four days per week. There are three two-week sessions. You may register your child for one, two, or all three sessions of lessons.

 


 
 


Summer Baseball is a recreational league which incorporates fun, teamwork, and good sportsmanship while learning the game. There are three divisions for ages 6 through 12 years.



Adaptive Sports

 

Adaptive Sports Greenwich is a community program for children and youth with special needs. Beginning in May, a soccer program will be held at North Street School field and a tennis program held at Central Middle School courts. For more details, please email them directly at adaptivesportsgreenwich@gmail.com



 

Music and Art Camp is a specialized program for children who completed grades 3 through 8. Morning music sections include strings and band. Morning art sections have a young artist option for children who have completed grades K through 3. Afternoon art is only for those in morning music.
Summer Day Camps
Camp Withdrawal Policy

 

When one chooses to withdraw from a day camp including Kamp Kairphree, Adventurers, or Music and Art, there are NO refunds. Requests for full credit (100%) of fee paid will be considered prior to June 1. June 1 or after, only half credit (50% of fee paid) will be considered. Once camp begins, the credit will also be pro-rated based on the time remaining in the program when the credit is requested.

 

Kamp Kairphree is full.

 

Adventurers Camp is full.

 

National Alliance for Youth Sports
Greenwich Parks and Recreation is passionate about the healthy and safe participation of children in youth sports. As such, we are a member of the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS). NAYS has so much helpful information, training, and resources for coaches and parents. To learn about coach training and membership click here. For directions to access sport specific coaches training, read more.

 

Get your training for FREE through the Town of Greenwich Parks and Recreation's NAYS membership.

 

Tennis and Pickleball

The reservation system for tennis and pickleball courts is open online as of April 10. The OnePass with a Tennis / Pickleball option is required for all "in season" play on all Town courts, excluding platform tennis courts. Courts may only be reserved by Tennis / Pickleball Pass holders. To obtain a OnePass or to purchase a Tennis / Pickleball Pass, sign in to your household account. Court reservation instructions are included with the purchase of a Tennis / Pickleball Pass. For additional information including location and types of courts, visit our website.



Except for drop-in pickleball at BWGCC, all summer pickleball programs are full.


Tennis Clinic Instruction is available for adults, as well as youth. All tennis instruction is held at Bruce Park. There are evening and morning sections available for beginner and intermediate tennis players. There are eight one-week sessions which are held Monday- Thursday with a rain date of Friday. Online registration began April 1.

Prior to participating in an activity or reserving a court for tennis or pickleball play, please be familiar with Court Information and Rules.
Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center

449 Pemberwick Road, Greenwich

 

Spring Drop-in Pickleball is now being held each week. Different levels of play are held on separate days. Please make sure you only attend the level of play which is suited to your skills. There is a limit of players, first come, first served. Summer Drop-in Pickleball will be held a few evenings per week from June 20 - August 17.

 

Spring Drop-in Volleyball is now being held on Mondays for adults through June 5. Other adult activities taking place at BWGCC include Get-Fit Glenville Boot Camp, Zumba Fitness, and WGCC Weight Club.

 

Baby and youth programs happening at BWGCC this spring include: Boomslang Girls Basketball; Greenwich Stars Basketball; Look Who's Talking language exposure classes: Just Wee Two; Jumpin' Jams Music; The Dance Pointe classes; and Jack Rabbits Gymnastics.

 

Open gym time is available according to specific rules. Visit the open gym schedule for the current month. For additional information about facility programs and rental information, read our brochure.

 

Cos Cob Community Preschool
Registration continues online for the 2023-2024 Cos Cob Community Preschool which is held at the community center on Bible Street. The Preschool, licensed by the State of CT, is for children ages 3 and 4. Classes are held Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 noon and families may register for 3, 4, or 5 days per week. A $50 per day of week deposit is due at the time of registration. Visit our website or download the Preschool brochure for more information. Children must be toilet trained.

 

Withdrawal Policy for Recreation Activities

other than Day Camps

 

Credit requests for recreation program registration will be considered if received in writing prior to the start of the program. There is a $15 administrative fee per section for credits. The general policy of the Recreation Division is that we do not process refunds unless a program has been cancelled. Please read all registration information carefully and contact us prior to registering if you have any questions. Should someone withdraw from a program after it has begun, the credit will be pro-rated based on the time remaining in the program when the withdrawal is requested.

Weather Cancellation Information

 

Please make note of the Recreation Division's weather cancellation hotline phone # 203-861-6100.



Information regarding cancellations and closures is also posted on our Recreation Sports Website. The hotline phone # is updated before the website is updated.
Non-Discrimination and Event Accessibility

 

The Town complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination, equal opportunity, affirmative action, and providing reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to participate, please contact the Commissioner of Human Services at 203-622-3800 or demetria.nelson@greenwichct.org
Program and Participant Photographs

 

Parks and Recreation reserves the right to use program or event photographs including participants in official Town of Greenwich media only (website, newsletter, flyers and advertisements, Facebook, and/or Instagram). Please contact the Recreation Office if you object to the use of photographs of you or your child(ren) in Town media.

Greenwich Historical Society
IN Greenwich Community Event Calendar
Greenwich Patch Community Calendar

State Representative Stephen Meskers

Stephen.Meskers@cga.ct.gov

www.housedems.ct.gov/Meskers

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