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April 9, 2024

A Note From Mayor Hedrick

I would like to thank everyone who joined us for our annual "Eggstravangaza" event on Saturday, March 30. We had a great turn out and hope all of the little ones enjoyed their time hunting for the eggs. A special thanks to everyone on our Parks & Recreation team, including our Director, Mary Hill, our Administrator Val Koschmieder, and the volunteers who made this special day happen. 


Our Public Works department has kicked off our annual Rain Barrel Program - read more on that below.


Our next Pop-up Farmer's Market will take place on Sunday, April 14 in the Auditorium of the Municipal Building. We will have a final indoor event in May and then move it back outdoors beginning in June.


Little League opening day will take place on Saturday, April 20. The festivities will commence with a parade beginning at 10 am leaving from the Municipal Building heading to Washington Park followed by opening day ceremonies.


The next United Way Mobile Food Pantry is scheduled for Friday, April 26 from 12:30 – 2:00 pm at St. John’s Christian Church. Click here to view the full United Way Mobile Food Pantry calendar.


As a reminder, be sure to check out my Facebook page and the City's social media pages (including the Groton City Police Department Facebook) and our website when significant weather events are forecasted for important City-wide updates and special events.


I hope you're able to get outside and enjoy all that our area has to offer this time of year!


Respectfully,

Keith Hedrick

The Municipal Building is open to the public Monday-Thursday from 8 am-4 pm

and by appointment only on Friday.

TASTY TUESDAYS AT THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING

We've put together a schedule of food trucks who will park at the Municipal Building (295 Meridian Street) Tuesdays from 12 noon - 2 pm. Mark your calendar and come down to get lunch from some of the best local vendors! Check out our website for more dates/vendors in the coming days/weeks.


April 9: Blazin' BBQ

[view their Facebook] [view the menu]

April 16: Bean Stop

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April 30: Woodfellas Pizza & Wings

[view their Facebook] [view the menu]

May 7: Chick-fil-A

[view their Facebook] [view the menu]

May 14: Blazin' BBQ

[view their Facebook] [view the menu]

If you own a food truck or know someone who does and would be interested in participating in "Tasty Tuesdays", please contact Jaclyn Nardone at nardonej@cityofgroton-ct.gov for more information.

UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS

Apr. 9: Youth Advisory Committee

Apr. 10: Groton Utilities Commission

Apr. 10: Beach and Parks Committee

Apr. 11: Harbor Management Commission

Apr. 14: Pop-up Farmers Market

Apr. 15: Budget Public Hearing

Apr. 15: Committee of the Whole

Apr. 15: Mayor and Council

Apr. 16: Tasty Tuesday: Bean Stop

Apr. 16: Planning & Zoning Commission

Apr. 17: Groton Utilities Commission

Apr. 18: PACT



Click here to view the full calendar

of meetings and special events

SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY - VOLUNTEER ON BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

Applications and other information regarding vacancies on boards, commissions, and committees are always available at the City Clerk's office.

  • Beach & Parks Committee
  • Board of Ethics
  • Bozrah Utilities Commission
  • CMEEC
  • Committee of the Whole
  • Conservation Commission
  • Eastern Point Historic District
  • Economic Development Commission
  • Harbor Management Commission
  • Mayor and Council
  • Planning & Zoning Commission
  • Police and Community Together (PACT)
  • Retirement Board
  • Utilities Commission
  • Youth Advisory Committee
  • Zoning Board of Appeals


Click here and here to review boards and commissions in detail.

WE'RE HIRING

  • Director of Public Works (City of Groton)
  • Purchasing Agent (City of Groton)
  • Manager, Engineering (Groton Utilities)


Learn more about open opportunities here.

DEPARTMENT CONTACTS

Building & Zoning - zb@cityofgroton-ct.gov or (860) 446-4104

City Clerk - clerk@cityofgroton-ct.gov or (860) 446-4102

Economic Development - patrickc@cityofgroton-ct.gov or call (860) 446-4066

Finance - financedept@cityofgroton-ct.gov or (860) 446-4110

Fire Department - fire@cityofgroton-ct.gov or (860) 445-2456

Groton Utilities - gucustomerservice@grotonutilities.com or (860) 446-4000

Human Resources - hr@cityofgroton-ct.gov or (860) 449-5510

Mayor's Office - mayor@cityofgroton-ct.gov or (860) 446-4103

Parks & Recreation - pr@cityofgroton-ct.gov or call us at (860) 446-4128

Planning & Zoning - creanel@cityofgroton-ct.gov or call (860) 446-4169

Police Department - policedept@cityofgroton-ct.gov or (860) 445-2451

(for emergencies, dial 911)

Public Works - highway@cityofgroton-ct.gov or call us at 860-446-4127

FOSTERING POSITIVE INTERACTIONS

Fostering Positive Interactions Between Police Officers and Autistic Individuals

Sat., Apr. 27 | 8 - 10 am

Waterford High School


The City of Groton Police Department will be hosting a Mock Traffic Stop Event for Autistic Drivers/Passengers. We are partnering with the Southern Connecticut University Center of Excellence on Autism Spectrum Disorders and multiple other Southeastern CT Police Departments.

This event is on Saturday, April 27 from 8 - 10 am at the Waterford High School. Participants with ASD may be the licensed driver or passenger in the vehicle. Attendees will first review the traffic stop process in a classroom setting and then be part of a mock traffic stop. This event helps officers train on how to interact with individuals who have ASD. It also benefits attendees to give them experience of how a routine traffic stop would be conducted. Please sign up here: https://bit.ly/traffic-stops.


This is a FREE event. Police comfort dogs will be on hand to visit with participants. If you have any questions, please contact Officer Rosa at 860-440-9728 or rosaa@cityofgroton-ct.gov.

STAFF RECOGNITION

On Monday, March 18, at the City of Groton Government's Mayor and Council meeting, Chief Burton presented the following award recognition to the following personnel for

exemplary service:


  • Detective Hammett received a Meritorious Service Award for his diligent work, dedication of service to his community, his patience and attention to detail in tracking down leads and culminating with the arrest of the operator of the vehicle in a vehicle versus pedestrian accident that occurred on January 18, 2024. 


  • Officer Cardelle received a Meritorious Service Award for his observations made during a routine check of his assigned patrol area that led to the arrest of two individuals which resulted in the recovery of a weapon that would otherwise would have remained on the street.


  • Officer Clark and Officer Ogrodowicz received a Meritorious Service Award for assisting Officer Cardelle in the arrest of two individuals.


  • Detective Sergeant Holliday, Officer Cardelle and Officer Ogrodowicz received the Unit Citation Award for their routine work in a motor vehicle stop that lead to a bag of Fentanyl and a loaded .32 caliber taken off the street.

LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN

Law Enforcement Torch Run

The City of Groton Police Department is looking for sponsors to “Adopt a Mile” for $125. 100% of the proceeds will go to Special Olympics. Each sponsor will receive a posted sign that will be displayed along the torch run route in the City. 


The Police Department will also be selling Torch Run T-shirts for $20. 100% of the sales goes toward Special Olympics. 

If you're interested in sponsoring or purchasing a T-shirt, please contact Officer DiBenedetto at (860) 440-9720 or email dibenedettos@cityofgroton-ct.gov or contact Corporal Chin at (860) 440-9731 or email at china@cityofgroton-ct.gov.


This year the Torch Run will be May 29, 2024 (more details to follow).

PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

On Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the City of Groton Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration will host DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. 

 

For more than a decade, the event has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications—those that are old, unwanted, or expired—that too often become a gateway to addiction.

Take Back Day offers free and anonymous disposal of unneeded medications at close to 5,000 local drop-off locations nationwide.

 

What:       National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

When:      Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Who:        City of Groton Police Department 

Where:     295 Meridian Street, Groton, CT 06340


In partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed 8,950 tons of medication from circulation since its inception. Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage. 

 

For more information and to find a collection site near you, visit www.DEATakeBack.com.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

  • Entry Level Police Officer
  • Dispatcher
  • Entry Level Police Officer - CPCA Exam


Apply online at policeapp.com.

SUMMER PLAYGROUND CAMP

Summer Playground camp is available for kids entering Pre-K through Grade 9 and runs from June 24th - August 16th. Children can enjoy eight weeks of summer activities, field trips, beach days and fun with friends!


Registration is now open and Early Bird discount rates apply until Memorial Day (May 27).


Click here to register.

GOLF LESSONS

Click here to register.

BOATING, PERSONAL WATERCRAFT, and WATER SKI SAFETY CERTIFICATE CLASS 

Two date choices:  Saturday, May 4th from 9 am - 5 pm OR Thursday & Friday, May 9 & 10 from 9 am - 1 pm at the Zbierski House, Eastern Point Beach, 1 Beach Pond Rd in Groton


This all-inclusive course allows you to legally operate a boat or personal watercraft and includes the modern water ski towing endorsement. Upon successful completion of the course, the student will have learned about state and federal boating laws and guidelines. They will have earned a CT Safe Boating Certificate (often referred to as the "Boater's License"). The State Certified instructor will guide you through the download process which requires a one-time additional payment due to the State of Connecticut of $50.00 per certificate. You are then certified for life. Connecticut's Safe Boating Certificate has reciprocal value throughout the entire United States and its Territories.

 Connecticut State Approved Instructor: Captain Glenn Dean from Connecticut Boating Certificates LLC


Fee: $75.00 (you will be required to pay an additional $50 to State of CT, certificate fee) 

Registration deadline: Wednesday, May 1st


Click here to register.

BUS TRIP - THRIFT SHOP, LUNCH & GOODSPEED MUSICAL

Click here to register.

REMINDERS + UPDATES

Spring/Summer Program Brochure

Click here to view our Spring/Summer Program Brochure.


Eastern Point Season Passes

Gift certificates toward a 2024 Eastern Point Beach season pass are now available in the Parks & Recreation office!


Rental Facilities & Parks

Click here for information about all of our rental facilities and parks - or call 860-446-4128.

RAIN BARRELS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

This past summer, many communities reported several inches of rain within just a few hours. On August 8, more than 6 inches of rain fell on parts of Massachusetts. Drivers were stranded in their cars. There were hundreds of no swimming days at our beaches this summer. Heavy rains sent bacteria-laden stormwater into the ocean. By October 2, there had been only 5 rain-free weekends since Memorial Day. Presently, climate crisis is here to stay.

Rain Barrels Can Be Part of the Solution

  • Rain water is an alternate source of water during droughts
  • Decrease your water bill by up to 40%
  • Rain water is a healthy, chlorine and chemical-free water source for plants and gardens
  • Rain barrels help reduce pollution, erosion and improves local watershed health by collecting runoff rain from roofs and gutters
  • Lower municipal water demands & save energy at treatment plants


About The Great American Rain Barrel

  • 100% re-purposed, food grade, UV protected and BPA free barrels. Produced in Massachusetts. 
  • Most durable rain barrels on the market: 3/16” wall thickness. Screen filtered to keep mosquitoes out.
  • Will last for years when properly drained & stored for winter. Pay for themselves in one year.
  • Several rain barrels can be linked together — easy 5-minute setup
  • Available Colors: Forest Green, Earth Brown, and Nantucket Grey. Also available unpainted.


How to Purchase Your Rain Barrel

Rain Barrels are available for purchase by residents at the discounted price of $90-95.00.


How to Orderhttps://www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com/community/. Select Town and State on the website to order.


Pickup: Saturday, May 18th, 9:00-11:00am at the City of Groton Municipal Building (295 Meridian St, Groton, CT)



Deadline: May 5th, Midnight

REMINDERS


  • If you see a catch basin that is clogged or full, please report it to the Public Works Department for cleaning at 860-446-4127.


  • The City of Groton sells trash containers. The design is compatible with automated and semi-automated lifters, fit onto our garbage truck and are easy to tilt and roll. Click here for more information.

PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING

  • April 16, 6:30pm: Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting 
  • May 1, 5:30pm: Economic Development Commission Meeting


NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK 2024

April 28 - May 4, 2024

The Economic Development Commission (EDC) would like to celebrate Entrepreneurial Excellence in Groton City from April 28 - May 4. Through a series of social media highlights, the EDC seeks to share stories of local entrepreneurs. If you're interested in participating, please email Cierra Patrick at patrickc@cityofgroton-ct.gov.

REMINDERS

Building or Renovating?

Schedule a one-on-one meeting with the Planning & Economic Development team to discuss your ideas and plans for your property. To schedule an appointment email Patrickc@cityofgroton-ct.gov.


Commercial Space for Sale or Rent?

There's a growing interest for commercial space from enthusiastic entrepreneurs looking to start or expand their business to the City of Groton. If you have available space, email Cierra Patrick to discuss ways the City of Groton can help.


City of Groton's Bi-Weekly Business Update

Sign up here to receive our bi-weekly business updates prepared by the City of Groton's Economic Development staff.

GREATER GROTON COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PLATFORM

Join the Conversation!

Click here to sign-up for the Greater Groton Community Engagement Platform and participate in community discussions and planning efforts throughout Groton.  

EV CHARGERS NOW AVAILABLE AT THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING

Groton Utilities is happy to announce the availability of four electric vehicle chargers located in front of the City of Groton Municipal Building. These ChargePoint charging devices (two dual port pedestal mounted units) are located in the last four parking spots on the far left-hand side of the parking available in front of the building. One of the spots is specifically designated for handicapped individuals.


Groton Utilities considers it fundamentally important to participate in the electrification of America and its driving fleet. As car manufacturers turn their attention to building electric vehicles it is a paramount that more public-use electric vehicle chargers are made available in easily accessible locations. Read on...

You can pay your utility bill anytime, from anywhere, and anyway you want!


  • Mail a Check: Send to Groton Utilities, PO Box 4109, Woburn, MA 01888-4109


  • Pay By Phone: Call (860)-446-4000, Select Option 1.



Housing Counseling Resources for City of Groton Residents

Bill Memorial Library

240 Monument St., Groton


Bunny Bonanza

April 11 | 12:30 - 1:30 pm


Something Else Entirely Speculative Fiction Book Club

April 13 | 10:30 am


Cooking Class for kids grades 3 - 5

April 25 | 4 pm


Visit the library's Facebook page 

for a full list of events.

Lyman Allyn Art Museum

625 Williams St., New London


Science Saturday

April 20 |11:00 am | Super Subs


Lecture: Beatrice Cuming’s Portrait of New London with Dr. Barbara Zabel

April 10 | 5:30 pm


Virtual Talk- Beatrice Cuming: Connecticut Precisionist with the Henry L. Ferguson Museum

April 28 | 4:00 pm


First Free Saturday

May 4 | 11 am | Primary Painting


Visit their Calendar of Events for a full list of upcoming events.

Hygienic Art

79 Bank Street, New London


Art Park Clean-up

April 21 | 12 - 4 pm


15th Annual Mitch Fest

June 23 | 2 - 6 pm


Visit their website for a full list of events and exhibitions.

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