Greetings Greenwich friends and neighbors.

I continue to hear from residents who want an update on whether there will be federal assistance to help recover from the damage caused by tropical storm Ida. I can tell you that we remain optimistic that Fairfield County will meet the federal guidelines for an emergency disaster declaration. The disaster declaration will open up funds for help with remediation.
 
Yesterday, FEMA officials visited more homes in Greenwich to verify the information that residents have submitted. A thank you goes out to the Police Department who worked with FEMA officials to maximize this visit and to help facilitate the review process.
 
I continue to work with local, state, and federal representatives as we collaborate to ensure the process is finished as quickly and just as importantly, correctly so that the Governor can request the declaration.
 
Once we receive notification on whether the declaration is approved, we will receive information on how residents and businesses will be able to apply for grants. We will post that information on the Town website, in this newsletter, the Town’s social media and share with local media outlets. Thank you for your continued patience as we work our way through this multi-step governmental process.
 

The Annual Parking Permit renewal process is being conducted ONLY online (submitting an application, proving residency (if applicable), and making a payment).

Organizers say that last weekend’s cleanup at Pomerance Park was so successful, they are going to be back at it again tomorrow. The invasive plant clean-up is scheduled for 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday.  Volunteers should meet at the Orchard Street entrance. Don’t forget to bring thick gloves, a water bottle, wear sturdy shoes, and socks and long sleeves are recommended. Tools will be provided, but feel free to bring your own and please bring your face mask. Please RSVP as this is a limited sign-up. You will receive a confirmation of your sign-up. Register by emailing: SustainGreenwich@gmail.com
 

We are seeing small fluctuations in the number of COVID cases.

Health Director Caroline Baisley reports there are now a total of 5,819 residents who have contracted COVID-19. We are averaging 3.4 new cases per day.  There are 27 active cases being monitored by the Greenwich Health Department.   

As of today, Greenwich Hospital was treating six COVID-positive patients, none of whom has been vaccinated. It is unfortunate to report that another resident has died as a result of COVID, bringing the total to 94 residents.

Here are the latest vaccination rates for our residents. Our rates are good but I hope that we can improve the numbers in the 25- to 44-year-old age category.

Here are the latest vaccination rates as reported by the state Department of Public Health, as of October 13:

To find a vaccination site near you, please use this link.

Yale New Haven Health (YNHHS) and Greenwich Hospital are administering booster doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for long-term care residents and those 65 and older, 18 to 64 with underlying conditions, and 18 and older at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure. All vaccinations are by appointment only and can be made on the YNHHS website: www.ynhhs.org/covidvaccine.
 

Speaking of the Health Department, Director Baisley and her staff are continuing the annual flu vaccination clinics.

Two more clinics are scheduled and will be administered in the ground floor cafeteria lounge of Town Hall. The first will be held from 2 to 5 p.m., Monday, October 18, followed by one on Wednesday, October 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees need to bring their insurance card and wear a face mask and are advised to wear short sleeves.

The public is encouraged to call the flu info line at 203-622-3774 prior to attending any clinics. More information, including other scheduled clinics, can be found here.
 

Great Blue Research of Glastonbury is wrapping up the 2021 Resident Satisfaction Telephone Survey today, October 15. The survey asks residents to rate their satisfaction with several key services provided by the Town. If you didn't receive a phone call, don't worry! Residents who wish to provide input on their experience with Town services can fill out the same survey online. The online survey will be made available on the Town of Greenwich webpage for a two-week period beginning Monday, October 18, and continuing through Monday, November 1. We look forward to hearing from you!
 

The Town Clerk’s office continues to process applications for absentee ballots for the November 2 local elections.  So far more than 1,100 voters have applied for an absentee ballot.
 

You can print and fill out the application here https://www.greenwichct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/23460/absentee-application?bidId=
 

The applications should be returned to the Town Clerk’s office (the address is on the application).  Ballot boxes will be available for applications and ballots until 8 p.m. November 2. They are located here at Town Hall and at the Public Safety Complex, 11 Bruce Place.

You can check your voter registration status, using this link:  https://www.greenwichct.gov/1191/Voter-Information-Lookup . This link also allows you to check your absentee status.
 

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There are plenty of weekend events planned and I hope that I’ll see you at one of them. Here are couple of them.

The Greenwich Policeman's Ball is Saturday, October 16 in celebration of the of the 125th Anniversary of our excellent Greenwich Police Department. All proceeds will benefit the Greenwich Police Department Scholarship Fund, which supports college students of active Greenwich Police Officers.

The Greenwich Police Department Scholarship Fund Silent Auction is open. Just text 243725 and type in GPD to view and bid on auction items, or log onto https://one.bidpal.net/gpd/browse/all(details:item/5) The auction closes at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, October 16. Auction winners do not need to be present. For more info visit www.gpdscholarshipfund.org

The 16^th annual Abilis Walk/Run will take place on Sunday, October 17, at Greenwich Point Park. Registration can be done online via this link or in person starting at 7:30 a.m. Sunday. More information can be found here.  

Stay safe and please remember to wash your hands, watch your distance, wipe down surfaces and get a vaccine if you haven’t done so already.
 
All the best,
Fred