Stamford News

Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option
Print

The Works: December 9, 2021

A weekly newsletter released by the City of Stamford on Thursdays

Post Date:12/09/2021 4:47 PM

"We are still in this Covid-19 pandemic and it is imperative that Stamford residents remain vigilant and follow appropriate safety precautions. As Mayor, I am strongly urging residents to get vaccinated, receive their boosters, be tested and wear masks indoors." 

 

Mayor Caroline Simmons

Mayor Simmons Urges Vigilance as COVID-19 Number Rise


What's in this newsletter?

  1. From the Mayor's Office: Announcements from Mayor Caroline Simmons
    COVID-19 Updates: Latest case numbers and how to get vaccinated.
  2. Community: Information affecting residents in Stamford.
  3. State: Information from the State of Connecticut affecting residents in Stamford.
  4. Services: Updates to City services
  5. Events & Meetings: Upcoming events, and legislative meetings in Stamford.

The content of this newsletter is compiled by the City of Stamford and relies on information provided by City staff, state elected officials, local organizations, health professionals, and members of the community. If you have information that should be included in this newsletter — or believe some information is incorrect — please contact the City's Communications Staff.


From the Mayor's Office

  • Mayor Caroline Simmons is hosting her first Citizen Services Hub event on Friday, December 10th at 8:30 a.m. The event will take place at the South End Ferguson Library. Mayor wants to hear more about the issues that matter most to you and provide an opportunity for residents to meet her team.
    • Please note that masks and proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test are required to attend.
  • Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons announced that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has opened a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Stamford, located at the Harry Bennett Branch of the Ferguson Library. Representatives from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration are available at the center to help residents apply for disaster assistance, explain disaster assistance programs, answer questions about FEMA letters and the appeals process, and provide literature about repairs and rebuilding to make homes more disaster resistant.
  • Nominations are now open for 2022 City of Stamford Citizen of the Year.
    • Nominations must include a bullet point summary of the nominee’s background supportingthe criteria listed above. Nominations can be filled out at stamfordcoty.org, emailed to StamfordCitizen@aol.com or mailed to:
      • Nominations Committe

      2022 City of Stamford Citizen of the Year
      22 First Street
      Stamford, CT  06905

      • All nominations must be received by Friday, January 7, 2022.
  • Mayor Simmons hosted her first Covid-19 virtual update on Tuesday, December 7th at 6:00.

COVID-19 Updates

Case Numbers

The State of Connecticut has reported 184 new Covid-19 cases this week in Stamford. This is up from the 140 Covid-19 cases which the City of Stamford tracked last week.

Residents can read daily updates on new cases in Stamford by visiting the State of Connecticut's dedicated website for COVID-19 updates located here: https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/COVID-19-Data-Tracker

Next week, vaccines are available at the following locations free without an appointment: 

ALL AGES

  • 137 Henry St. Mon- Fri 8:30 – 7
  • Stamford Government Center. Mon – Fri 4-8, Sat & Sun 10 - 4
  • Scalzi Park. Every Day 8:30 – 4:30
  • Jackie Robinson Park. Sat & Sun 10– 4
  • Hunt Park. Sat & Sun 10 – 4

Ages 5-11 only

  • 137 Henry Street Clinic (2nd Floor). Mon & Thur 1 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Ages 12 and up only

  • Jackie Robinson Park – Mon – Fri 10 – 4
  • Hunt Park. Mon - Fri 10 – 4 
  • Stamford Train Station. Tue & Thur 12– 6

Vaccines are also available by appointment at the following: 

  • Stamford Health, Stamford Hospital, By appointment only- call 203-276-7300 to schedule.
  • Stamford Health, 292 Long Ridge Rd - By appointment only- call 203-276-7300 to schedule.

Booster shots are available at all sites that have vaccines for residents ages 12 and up.

Visit our website for more information on free pop up locations around town.

Covid-19 Testing Sites

Other resources

  • If you are unable to leave your home or are uncomfortable traveling to a vaccine site, the Stamford Department of Health will bring the vaccine to you.  
    • Call 203.977.4378 or (203) 977-4369 to schedule your free in-home COVID-19 vaccine appointment.
  • All information about Stamford's response to COVID-19 can be found on our website at www.stamfordct.gov/covid19.
  • Please visit the State of Connecticut's Vaccine Portal for information on how to request a new copy of your card. 

Community

  • Board of Representatives is accepting applications and/or nominations for membership on the 19th Charter Revision Commission.
    • The Charter Revision Commission is responsible for recommending to the Board important changes to the City’s Charter, which will affect the City of Stamford’s government.
    • Stamford residents who wish to donate their time (no compensation is provided) to submit a resume and short cover letter/note indicating an interest in serving on the Commission to:
      • Jeff Curtis, President 31st Board of Representatives
        888 Washington Boulevard, 4th Floor
        Stamford, CT  06904-2152
      • Or e-mail to: bdreps@stamfordct.gov.
    • The deadline for applying is December 15, 2021.

  • The Stamford Public Education Foundation is offering the Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) for parents, grandparents, guardians and others to become leaders and advocates for children. PLTI is currently recruiting for participants and will start in late January. PLTI offers a highly stimulating curriculum that will boost parent’s leadership and civic skills to address such areas of concern as the opportunity gap, accessible child healthcare, neighborhood safety, and the significance of parental engagement, to name a few.
  • Camp SoundWaters 2022 registration opens on Wednesday, December 15th.
  • The Ferguson Main Library is urging young residents to come by and decorate a winter mitten with their name, a drawing, or a Winter Wish for 2022. 
    • The decorated mittens will be hung in the library’s children’s room later this month. 

  • The Bartlett Arboretum is hosting Wreath Making Workshops on December 16, 18, 20, and 21.
    • The Arboretum will provide the frame, instruction, and a large variety of evergreens, cones, berries, and ribbon. Admission is $50 to include the price of materials.
    • Those who are interested can visit http://www.bartlettarboretum.org/ or go to the link in their Instagram bio @bartlettarboretum.
  • Stamford’s Holiday Stroll, a walk-through experience featuring 60+ holiday displays, thousands of lights, Santa, and tons of holiday cheer will take place in Mill River Park from November 26 – January 9.
    • The family-friendly event is open to all.
    • Please visit theholidaystroll.com to learn more and to purchase tickets.

State News

  •  Governor Ned Lamont yesterday announced the launch of a new state program that will provide $2.7 million to colleges and universities in Connecticut as they respond to the ongoing student mental health challenges driven by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The Connecticut Campus Mental Health Program will provide awards to eligible higher education institutions to drive innovative and evidence-based strategies that enhance student access to care; boost education and awareness of mental health services and programs available to students, either on or off campus; and equip staff and students with knowledge for supporting students with mental illnesses, particularly those from minority or traditionally underserved backgrounds.
    • Funding is being supported by the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund, which utilizes federal coronavirus relief aid dedicated to the state.
  • Governor Lamont and Department of Revenue Services Commissioner Mark Boughton are raising awareness this week about the 2021 Connecticut Tax Amnesty program, which offers individuals and businesses the opportunity to pay back taxes at a reduced interest rate and no penalties.
    • The program launched on November 1, 2021 and will end on January 31, 2022. It provides a 75% reduction in interest and waives penalties and the possibility of criminal prosecution to those who haven’t filed, have under reported, or have existing liabilities related to taxes owed to the state for any tax period ending on or before December 30, 2020.
    • The program is available to individual and business taxpayers.
  • State Comptroller Kevin Lembo has formally announced his pending resignation from his elected office effective December 31, 2021, due to an ongoing medical condition.
    • As required by state statute, when the legislature is not in session, the responsibility to fill the vacancy falls to the governor.
    • According to a recent press release, Governor Lamont plans to announce an appointment for the position soon.

Services

  • The City has a brand new interactive leaf pickup status map that will provide updates on where our leaf pickup crews have been and are currently working. For best results, zoom in closer to the area you would like to see.
    • If you would like further up to date updates on this year's leaf pick up program, please sign up for City Services alerts on Fix it Stamford.
  • City of Stamford Land Use Department is looking for feedback on a Barrett Park Master Improvements Plan. Please fill out this survey.   
  • The City of Stamford is continuing their partnership with textile collection company HELPSY, which enables residents to recycle unwanted textiles more conveniently by booking an appointment with the organization. Stamford residents are able to schedule an at home pickup by:
  • The Davenport St. reconstruction project is ongoing.
    • The project is a public-private partnership to rebuild the roadway, and is in preparation for the Greenwich Ave/ Pulaski Roundabout.
    • Residents can read about the entire Greenwich Avenue Corridor Project here.
  • Phase 1 of the High Ridge Road bridge renovation by the Merritt Parkway began. One northbound lane will be closed, so residents should expect delays and plan for extra travel time.
    • Residents can read more about the project here.

Municipal Meetings.

  • The Board of Representatives Steering Committee Meeting will be held Monday, December 13, at 7:00 p.m. Please press here to view the agenda.
Return to full list >>