Letters to the Editor - July 9, 2010

Patriotic music missed at town's 4th of July celebration

To the editor:

Happy 4th of July. This year I attended the fireworks at Tod's Point. Wow, what a sight. Great crowd on the beach and all the boats lined up with their lights on.

The fireworks were great, but I am sorry to say not one patriotic song was played - only the salute to the flag.

Every time we've gone to a fireworks display put on by the town there has always been lots of patriotic music playing, and it was a time to feel our support and pride in our country, which is much needed at this time.

I just wondered: who was in charge of the program? It was not a "beach party"-- it was the 4th of July!!

I hope I was not the only person missing the songs of America: "America The Beautiful," "The Star Spangled Banner," and "My Country `Tis of Thee."

Joanne Maciejewski

Greenwich

Police presence needed at Island Beach

To the editor:

July Fourth at Island Beach seemed more like a celebration of Cinco de Mayo than it did Independence Day.

And the town was not prepared to handle the masses of people that it should have planned for on Sunday.

The number of non-residents now using the island as a destination point has risen to such a level that our own residents are not being afforded the oppurtunity to use town resources as common sense would dictate they should.

Tensions are high and the weather is hot. When my wife asked an individual to refrain from cursing repeatedly in front of our young daughter and other children, that person's response to my wife was,"Shut up! You're only telling me this because you're white!"

It's only a matter of time before an elderly person gets knocked down, maybe even into the water, as the crowds shove their way on and off the ferry. Are we supposed to handle this by ourselves?

In years' past there has been a presence of Greenwich police marine division officers on the island.

We've been told that budget cuts do not allow this to be possible now.

With our beach policy allowing any non-resident to use the facility at $8 per person, the revenue they are collecting from out of towners would more than compensate for the cost of a police presence that is so badly needed.

What has to happen before this is done?

It is time for our towns' leaders to step up and advocate for the people they are representing!

Rick Novakowski

Cos Cob

Thanks to Byram Parks & Recreation

To the editor:

I walk through Byram Shore Park nearly everyday and I am just amazed at how beautiful the park is.

I truly believe that Jimmy, Sam, Steve and the rest of the Byram Shore Parks and Recreation Dept. do an outstanding job at keeping the heart and soul of Byram looking its best. Thank you!

Susan Frano

Greenwich