Weekly Update - May 19

May 19, 2023


 
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Dear Neighbor,

I had a very busy week this week in the assembly - I passed two bills, one with unanimous support, a study group to provide for a global visa program under the H1B program for global entrepreneurship, and a bill to force or to encourage the state historic preservation office to work, more collaboratively with the communities and municipalities in approving projects, and to avoid the unnecessary delays that seem to be currently part of the equation.
 
I worked in conjunction with the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to reach an agreement to form a study group - that bill passed the House, but I believe 148 votes somewhat less than 151 votes for the unanimous support I received on my first bill.
 
Additionally, I had the distinct pleasure of working with residents of Old Greenwich in Riverside to sponsor a bill on allergies and allergy awareness and include photos with our governor Lamont, and the sponsors of the bill.
 
It was so warming it and encouraging to see members of the public take an active interest in our government in a constructive way - it’s the kind of work you love to see and the level of patriotism and community involvement.
 
Instead of tearing things down, criticizing, and using an overabundance of negative energy, we have local residents who are thoughtful, constructive and engaged to come to capitol to bring forth an allergy awareness bill and increase awareness of the scourge of Alzheimer's and privately raise funds for research of this terrible illness.  

The next step for the allergy bill is to require approval of the Senate. Following the approval of the Senate, the bill would go to the governor for signing to become law. I’m so proud of the work that our community did to advocate for these important issues.

A special shout out to Greenwich High School students Lilia Vine, Maia Coplit and mom Lisa Coplit and Ginge Cabrera, Chairperson of the Board at The Alzheimer's Association CT!

 
HB 5902: Food allergies can be life-threatening. H.B. 5902 establishes standards that restaurants must follow to ensure customers alert staff about their allergies. The bill will also require informational posters to be displayed in restaurants to ensure increased safety and awareness.
 
Advocates for the Allergy Awareness Bill
Lilia Vine, Maia Coplit and me with Governor Lamont
 
I also had the pleasure of meeting up with the Alzheimer’s Association, who made a special presentation in the chamber for Alzheimer’s awareness, and I got to meet up with Ginge Cabrera, Chairperson of the Board at The Alzheimer's Association CT. I was at the fundraiser at the Greenwich country club this past Saturday and she has been a champion and an avid fundraiser for Alzheimer’s awareness. I have to thank her for her involvement and congratulate all her work!
 
Me and Ginge Cabrera, Chairperson of the Board at
The Alzheimer's Association CT
 
 
 
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:

HB 6892: Putting teeth in municipal blight laws to increase the tools towns have to deal with abandoned, blighted and unsafe properties.

HB 6918: Chambers of Commerce and business leaders cheered when we passed groundbreaking clean slate legislation… yesterday we passed mainly technical issues to get this policy moving forward.

 HB 6775: Expands protections for seniors by increasing the number of mandated reporters for suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation or when a senior needs protective services.

 HB 6872: Will ensure election officials and presidential electors do their duty as prescribed by law.

 HB 5314: Attention consumers! Under HB 5314 businesses will no longer be able to charge your credit card, debit card, or third-party payment account without your consent for automatic renewal or continuous services.

HB 6746: Sadly, wrong-way crashes and deaths have been on the rise in our state. We took action to help reduce incidents and minimize fatalities.

 HB 6561: Protecting our children is the most important part of youth athletic competition. HB 6561 creates a task force that will study safety measures for all sports.

 HB 6077: Connecticut has a rich history of remarkable stories. HB 6077 establishes a process to add additional statues outside the Capitol that reflect the diversity, character, and accomplishments of the state.

Health care providers shouldn’t face out-of-state repercussions for doing what’s legal in Connecticut. HB 6820 protects Connecticut providers performing safe and legal reproductive health care services to those who need it.

The House approved HB 6898, which requires the Attorney General’s Office to submit a report on the settlement agreement with Juul Labs. In April, Juul Labs agreed to a $462 million settlement between six states, including Connecticut, for their role in marketing addictive nicotine products to teens.   
 
Families who are tasked with taking care of loved ones need a lifeline. HB 6677 will require the Department of Social Services to develop a plan that will increase the number of residents eligible to receive adult day services.

 
 
CTN
 
Local Events Activities and News
 
 
 
 
Old Greenwich Association
 

 

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

 
 

 

 
Your semi-monthly Recreation activities information.
WE MAKE YOUR FREE TIME, FUN TIME!
 
GREETINGS,
 
While spring is in full swing, the unofficial start of summer is right around the corner. In addition to the Memorial Day 5K and 1/2 mile races, which are sponsored by Hagerty this year, the Memorial Day Parade is taking place on Monday, May 29.
 
Online registration for residents continues for Music and Art Camp, Tennis Clinics, and other activities. Some sections of activities are already full. To avoid an increase in day camp rates, residents must register prior to June 1. If your children participate in youth sports, the National Alliance for Youth Sports has helpful resources for you. More details on these and other programs are found below. For a list of town-wide special events in May and June, click here.
 
Many employment opportunities for spring and summer recreation positions are posted. Positions include: Head Swim Instructor and Swim Instructor, Umpires for Youth Softball, Music & Art Camp staff, Camp Counselors, Skatepark Instructor/Guards, Tennis Monitors and Tennis Instructors, to name a few.
 
The office will be closed Monday, May 29 for Memorial Day. Except for Town holidays, the Parks and Recreation Office at Town Hall is open to the public weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. We encourage you to make an appointment between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Most business can be done online. Office staff are available by email; feel free to contact us.
 
Best regards,
Sue Snyder, Recreation Superintendent
 
Visitourwebsite
 
 
 
Memorial Day Parade
The Annual Memorial Day Parade will take place Monday, May 29 beginning at 9 a.m. from Sound Beach Avenue to Binney Park. If you plan to attend the parade, please take note of these safety practices:
  • For safety concerns, NO candy will be thrown out to the children along the parade route.
  • As per State law, any children 15 years old or younger in or on a box or regular bike must wear a helmet, otherwise they may not participate.
 
 
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.
Thank you to our sponsor Hagerty!
 
Greenwich Recreation is hosting Outdoor Movie Nights at BWGCC on Mondays, July 17 and August 7. Join us for Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile on July 17. Bring your chairs, picnic blankets, and snacks! Pre-movie entertainment begins at 6:45 p.m.
Save the dates for upcoming programs, such as 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.
 
Music and Art Camp is a specialized program for children who completed grades 3 through 8. Morning music sections include strings and band. The Young Artist section in the morning is full. 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, less a $15 administrative fee per section, 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.
 
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 continues. 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
 
If you are as passionate about the healthy and safe participation of children in youth sports as we are, sign up to receive Sporting Kid Live. Sporting Kid Live is a National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) resource helping coaches, parents and administrators provide the best youth sports experiences for children.
 
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
 
Adult Activities

 
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 continues.
 
Prior to participating in an activity or reserving a court for tennis or pickleball play, please be familiar with Court Information and Rules.
 
Except for drop-in pickleball at BWGCC, all summer pickleball programs are full.

Tennis / Pickleball Pass and
Court Reservations

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.
Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center
449 Pemberwick Road, Greenwich
 
Coming in August, Mad Science will be hosting Jurassic "Dig" Ventures! and Mad Reactions & Explosions mini camps for youth entering grades 1-6.
 
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.
 
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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