A Note From Mayor Hedrick | |
The days are finally getting longer, and the City of Groton is looking forward to kicking off our normal springtime activities and events.
Before we get into what’s to come, I wanted to thank everyone who participated in the Special Olympics CT Penguin Plunge (which took place March 3 at Eastern Point Beach). A huge thank you to Groton Utilities for their donation this year as well as all of the other local sponsors.
The next United Way Mobile Food Pantry is scheduled for Friday, March 22 from 12:30 – 2:00 pm at St. John’s Christian Church. Click here to view the full United Way Mobile Food Pantry calendar.
Our annual "Eggstravaganza" event will take place on Saturday, March 30 at the Municipal Building. The hunt is open to children ages 2 - 12, more details are below.
I wanted to remind you to 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 including parking bans.
Please note, in observance of Good Friday, the Municipal Building will be closed on Friday, March 29. Trash and recycling that is normally picked up on Friday will be picked up on Thursday, March 28.
Stay safe in the coming weeks - Spring is almost here!
Respectfully,
Keith Hedrick
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The Municipal Building is open to the public Monday-Thursday from 8 am-4 pm
and by appointment only on Friday.
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TASTY TUESDAYS AT THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING | | |
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We are excited to launch "Tasty Tuesdays" at the City of Groton Municipal Building.
We've put together a schedule of food trucks who will park at the Municipal Building (295 Meridian Street) Tuesdays from 11 am - 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.
Mar. 19: Chick-fil-A
[view their Facebook]
Mar. 26: Woodfellas Pizza & Wings
[view their Facebook]
Apr. 2: Chick-fil-A
[view their Facebook]
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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 | | |
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Mar. 13: Beach & Parks Committee
Mar. 18: Mayor & Council
Mar. 19: Tasty Tuesday: Chick-fil-A
Mar. 19: Planning & Zoning Commission
Mar. 20: Groton Utilities Commission
Mar. 21: PACT
Mar. 25: Committee of the Whole
Mar. 26: Tasty Tuesday: Woodfellas Pizza & Wings
Mar. 28: Youth Advisory Committee
Mar. 29: Good Friday, Municipal Offices Closed
Mar. 30: Eggstravaganza
Click here to view the full calendar
of meetings and special events
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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.
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- 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
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- Mayor and Council
- Planning & Zoning Commission
- Police and Community Together (PACT)
- Retirement Board
- Utilities Commission
- Youth Advisory Committee
- Zoning Board of Appeals
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Click here and here to review boards and commissions in detail. | |
WE'RE HIRING
- Director of Public Works (City of Groton)
- General Manager, Utility Operations (Groton Utilities)
Apply online at indeed.com.
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FOSTERING POSITIVE INTERACTIONS | | |
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Fostering Positive Interactions Between Police Officers and Autistic Individuals
Sat., Apr. 29 | 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.
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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.
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JOB OPPORTUNITIES
- Entry Level Police Officer
- Dispatcher
- Entry Level Police Officer - CPCA Exam
Apply online at policeapp.com.
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EGGSTRAVAGANZA
Saturday, March 30 | 10 am
City of Groton Municipal Building lawn (295 Meridian Street)
Cost: FREE
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Gather up the kids and bring them down to the City of Groton Municipal Building on Saturday, March 30th for our annual Eggstravaganza egg hunt for children ages 2-12. | |
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FAMILY GAME NIGHT
Friday, April 5 | 6 - 8 pm
City of Groton Municipal Building Auditorium
Kick off April Vacation with some good family fun!
Corn Hole, Giant Jenga, Giant Tic Tac Toe, Giant Connect 4, Apples to Apples, Giant Memory, Farkle, more...
Popcorn and drinks will be provided complimentary. This is a FREE Family Night but
pre-registration is required by Tuesday, April 2. Play, punch your card and enter to win prizes. All families are welcome!
Thanks to Bill Memorial Library for participating!
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TEA MAKING WORKSHOP
Sunday, April 7 | 3 - 4 pm
Zbierski House, Eastern Point Beach
Cost: $40 per person
Learn about some basic herbs used commonly in teas and create your own unique blend to take home. Benefits of the herbs, how to brew it, shelf life and packaging will all be covered. Chocolate will be paired to compliment flavorings.
Click here to register.
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BABYSITTING SAFETY & CPR AED/FIRST AID
Tuesday, April 9 | 9 am - 4 pm (bring a lunch)
Agres 12-17
City of Groton Municipal Building
Cost: $80 per person
This program gives teenagers and young adults everything they need to know for safe and successful babysitting. From getting started with their business, to dealing with parents and children, to key safety, caregiving, and first aid tips. Also training in lifesaving skills of first aid and CPR along with use of an AED.
Click here to register.
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SUMMER COOKING SURVIVAL FOR TEENS
Saturdays, April 20 + 27 | 10 am - 12 noon
Ages 11 - 14
Zbierski House, Eastern Point Beach, 1 Beach Pond Road, Groton
Cost: $25 per person
Registration deadline: April 16
Summer is around the corner and that means it's time to start cooking! Teens will learn some tips & tricks on how to make quick & easy meals and snacks on their own with a certified personal chef. Please indicate any food allergies upon registration and bring a hat (baseball cap) and apron to class. They will walk away with the meal /snacks they just prepared and recipe cards to duplicate it on their own.
Click here to register.
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BOATING, PERSONAL WATERCRAFT, and WATER SKI SAFETY CERTIFICATE CLASS
Sessions:
Saturday, May 4 | 9 am - 5 pm
Thursday & Friday, May 9 & 10 | 9 am - 1 pm
Zbierski House, Eastern Point Beach, 1 Beach Pond Road, Groton
Cost: $75 per person (you will be required to pay an additional $50 certificate fee to the State of CT)
Registration deadline: May 1
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.
Click here to register.
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BUS TRIP - THRIFT SHOP, LUNCH & GOODSPEED MUSICAL
Sunday, June 2
The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Cost: $170 (includes transportation, driver gratuity, lunch and show ticket)
Registration deadline: April 25
9 am: Board coach bus at the City of Groton Municipal Building
9:30 am: Stop at Pandemonium Thrift Shop, Deep River.
Exotic animal rescue building is optional $10. Depart at 11:15 am
11:30 am: Lunch at the Black Seal, Essex. Lunch choice made upon registering. Departs at 1:15 pm
2:00 pm: Show at the Goodspeed in East Haddam. 2 1/2 hour show with intermission.
We are seating in main level, side orchestra.
4:30 pm: Depart Goodspeed to return to Groton.
Click here to register.
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COOKING MATTERS FOR FAMILIES | |
PARKS & RECREATION IS HIRING! | |
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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.
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- During the Winter Season, it is important to keep the roadways clear to allow access for our plows. This includes removing basketball hoops, please remove all basketball hoops from the road for the winter season.
- 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.
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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.
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PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING | |
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March 19, 6:30pm: Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting
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March 26,11:00am: Good Housekeeping Lunch & Learn covering Best Practices for Stormwater Management
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April 3, 5:30pm: Economic Development Commission Meeting
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SOUTHEASTERN CT YOUTH CLIMATE SUMMIT | |
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Congratulations to the Marine Science Magnet High School's Environmental Club on organizing the 1st Annual Southeastern Connecticut Youth Climate Summit held on March 7, 2024, at Ocean Beach Park. The event was a success, hosting 100 students from schools throughout New London County. We discussed protecting water quality, climate change's disproportionate impact on lower income communities, and ways to achieve environmental sustainability in CT.
It was an absolute privilege to engage with students throughout Southeastern CT on the challenges of Climate Change. Their hopefulness, passion, and wit to embrace the challenge head inspire action. Groton City's Planning & Economic Development Department look forward to continued collaboration that will lead to action.
Special shout out to MSMHS Science teacher, Bonnie Johnson and students; Zoe Wu and Cornelia Hatfield on your passion and hard work establishing an environmental club, creating a safe place to share stories and interest; and fostering change. Special Thanks to Megan Granato, Town of Groton Sustainability and Resilience Manager, Tara Amatrudo, MSMHS Principle, State Rep. Aundre Bumgardner, and Maggie Favretti, Founder and Director of Deign ED 4 Resilience for your support and contributions.
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GOOD HOUSEKEEPING LUNCH & LEARN | |
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March 26, 2024 | 11 am - 1 pm
Location: Council Chambers, City of Groton Municipal Building (295 Meridian Street)
Topic: Best Practices for Stormwater Management
Groton Community, you are cordially invited to the Baker Cover Watershed Committee’s Good Housekeeping Lunch & Learn on March 26 from 11:00-1:00 pm in Council Chambers at 295 Meridian Street, Groton CT.
During the Lunch & Learn you’ll be introduced to the issue of Fats-Rags-Oils-Grease getting into Groton’s drainage systems and the subsequent impacts of costly sewer overflows and pollution in nearby Birch Plain Creek. We also seek your advice on the best ways to build wastewater and stormwater awareness; tips to educate residents on these topics; and your interest in participating and/or supporting a future Good Housekeeping Workshop with Groton residents.
Lunch will be provided at no cost to you. If you’re able to attend, Please RSVP to patrickc@cityofgroton-ct.gov by March 21 at 5:00pm. If you are interested but unable to attend, please email Maura Robie at maura.robie@comcast.net so the Baker Cover Watershed Committee can include you in future meetings.
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NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK 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. | |
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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.
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GREATER GROTON COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PLATFORM | |
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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.
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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...
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You can pay your utility bill anytime, from anywhere, and anyway you want!
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Mail a Check: Send to Groton Utilities, PO Box 4109, Woburn, MA 01888-4109
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Pay By Phone: Call (860)-446-4000, Select Option 1.
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New London St. Patrick's Day Parade
March 17 | 1 pm
The 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New London, CT will be held on Sunday, March 17, 2024. The parade’s theme is, “Everyone Is Irish for a Day” This event is sponsored by the City of New London, the Downtown New London Association and produced by Neff Productions.
Click here for more information.
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Mystic Irish Parade
March 24 | 1 pm
Bill Turner, former Board President of the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, Citizen of the Year as selected by the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, and descended from good Irish stock in County Leitrim and County Galway will serve as the Grand Marshal of the 2024 Mystic Irish Parade.
Click here for more information.
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Bill Memorial Library
240 Monument St., Groton
Leprechauns on the Loose!
Leprechauns left footprints around the library! Count the footprints and bring the number to the librarian for a special leprechaun treat!
Spring Story Time
March 25 | 10 am
Mondays at 10 am, all ages welcome with caregiver
Something Else Entirely Speculative Fiction Book Club
April 13 | 10:30 am
Visit the library's Facebook page
for a full list of events.
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Lyman Allyn Art Museum
625 Williams St., New London
Science Saturday
March 16 |11:00 am
Gallery Talk: Norma Morgan in Context with Dr. Bruce Weber
March 23 | 2:00 pm
Beatrice Cuming Gallery Talk with Collector Jonathan C. Sproul and Curator Tanya Phort
March 27 | 5:30 pm
Visit their Calendar of Events for a full list of upcoming events.
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Hygienic Art
79 Bank Street, New London
Live Comedy Night
March 14 | 8 pm
Crafts and Cocktails
March 21 | 5-7pm
Visit their website for a full list of events and exhibitions.
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Garde Arts Center - 2024 Breezeline Winter Cinema Series
325 State Street, New London
The 2024 Breezeline Winter Cinema Series opened on Friday, January 19, 2024 and features more than twenty of the best films of 2023 on the giant screen of the Garde Movie Palace. A $65 season pass (plus fees) provides savings up to 78% off single ticket prices and email notices of films as they are added and any schedule changes.
Click here to view the full cinema schedule
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