Good evening, this is First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons with today’s weekly update.

I am proud to announce that Madison continues to rank in the top 10 of towns across the state for vaccinations. Almost 10,000 of our residents, which is approximately 67% of our total population, have received a first dose of a vaccine, and 55% are now fully vaccinated. We also continue to see our cases drop as vaccination rates increase.  We currently have 8 active COVID-19 cases in our community and Madison Public Schools has 4 active cases, including students and staff.    As our vaccination rates continue to rise, there is much greater availability throughout the state and thankfully many locations no longer require an appointment, including the CVS located on Boston Post Road in Madison. Please visit ct.gov/covidvaccine to find a convenient place to get vaccinated. 

I want to highlight that this year’s Budget Referendum is scheduled for Tuesday, May 18th. Some of you may have read a different date on the front page of this week’s Source, which was done in error and since been corrected.  District 1 in-person voting has been moved from the Senior Center to Polson Middle School and District 2 voting will take place, as in previous years, at Brown Intermediate School. Polling locations have been modified for social distancing and will stay open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

If you wish to vote by absentee ballot, you can obtain an application for an absentee ballot on the Town Clerk website at www.madisonct.org/vote.  Due to the short mailing period, please don’t wait.  Completed applications and ballots can be placed in the secure drop box located outside of Town Hall at the Town Campus (in the circle driveway across from the gym).  Ballots will be mailed as soon as applications are received.  Ballots must be returned before 8 p.m. on May 18th in order to be accepted for processing. If you have questions or need information on voting by absentee ballot please contact the Town Clerks office at (203) 245-5672 or via email at townclerk@madisonct.org.

A reminder that starting Monday, May 24th, Town Campus offices will be open to the general public for normal business hours five days a week, Monday through Friday. This is an expansion of days from the current Monday, Wednesday schedule.  Although appointments for most services will no longer be required, we still strongly encourage residents to plan ahead and make an appointment, try to access departmental services online, or continue to use available drop boxes located across from the Police Department. Please note that social distancing measures will be in place, and masks will be required in all town buildings. 

Starting today, Friday, May 7th, the Town will be staffing the gates at East and West Wharf Beaches due to limited parking. Parking at these two beaches on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday will require proof of residency or the purchase of a visitor parking pass at the Surf Club office.  Proof of residency can include a 2020 or 2021 beach sticker, a Connecticut driver’s license, a Madison car registration, a local tax bill, or long-term lease with proof of ID.  Starting Memorial Day weekend, only 2021 beach stickers will be accepted as proof of residency at all three Town beaches.  Beach passes can be purchased in-person at the Surf Club office or purchased on-line through the Beach & Recreation website at www.madisonct.org/beachstickers. 

I want to give a special recognition to the completion of Teacher Appreciation Week. Madison has been so fortunate to offer in-person learning throughout most of the school year; we could not have done it without our teachers’ incredible hard work, dedication, and resiliency in the face of this unprecedented pandemic. We are grateful for all you do for our children. 

And finally, I want to wish all the many moms in Madison a Happy Mother’s Day. I recognize that last year many in our community had to endure a separation from, or possibly a loss of a mother due to COVID.  However, we are fortunate that this year we are able to gather together again safely to honor our mothers as both role models and caregivers on this special day of appreciation.   I hope this Mother’s Day brings some level of comfort, happiness, and joy to everyone. 

Stay safe and healthy Madison.

Peggy Lyons
First Selectwoman