Community Corner
Daily Five: 'Read Across America' and Eastern Point Beach Repairs
Five Things To Know, Thursday, Feb. 21
1. Today is Thursday, Feb. 21. The National Weather Service predicts cloudy skies, winds of 21 to 24 mph, a slight chance of snow showers before 11 a.m. and a high temperature of 31 degrees. Tonight will be mostly clear, with a low of 26 degrees.
2. UConn-Avery Point will celebrate Read Across America from 10 a.m. until noon on March 2 at the Branford House in Groton. The annual event, held on the birthday of author Theodor Geisel, Dr. Seuss, was created to instill a joy of reading in children.
Guests will include children’s book illustrator Pamela Zagarenski, who will join university students in reading classics like “Green Eggs and Ham.”
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The event will include face painting, balloon animals, and a chance for children to touch sea creatures in a “touch tank” in keeping with the campus’ theme of marine education. The UConn mascot will also attend.
3. The Eastern Point Beach area was damaged by Storm Sandy, and the Groton City Council passed a resolution Tuesday to speed up repairs. The city was concerned that waiting would impact the 2013 beach season opening and therefore revenue, according to the city council agenda. The city’s purchasing agent spoke to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the resolution said.
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Councilors voted to waive the advertised bid requirement and authorize to city to enter an agreement with Concrete Slabs by Drab of Groton for $132,690 to repair stonewalls, sidewalks, railings caps and sea walls. FEMA will cover 75 percent of the cost, and the city will cover 25 percent.
4. The City Council also voted Tuesday to waive the bidding process, authorize and approve an agreement between the City of Groton and Milone & MacBroom for $250,000, to handle construction administration and inspection of the Thames Street rehabilitation project. The company earlier provided engineering and design work for the project.
5. The Avery Memorial Association will offer a special preview of the Ebenezer Avery House on 57 Fort St. in Groton at 10 a.m. on April 8. The house is typically not open until Memorial Day weekend, but will offer a look at restoration work on the windows, front door and front of the house. Guests will also hear about upcoming work planned for the house.
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